Volunteer Week is April 19-25 this year but the
celebration is starting today. The Honourable John C. Crosbie,
Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador; along with the
Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and
Non-Profit Sector; and Earl Ludlow, President and CEO of Newfoundland
Power and the 2009 Honourary Chair of Volunteer Week, were in attendance
at the annual volunteerism luncheon organized by the Community Services
Council Newfoundland and Labrador.
Approximately 250 guests were on hand for the
announcement of the theme for this year�s week for volunteer
recognition, Volunteers Light Up Communities!
"Without volunteers, communities across Newfoundland
and Labrador could not grow and thrive," said Minister Denine.
"Volunteer Week is an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate
these individuals, but this recognition should also be given all year
long. Volunteers light up communities, and also light up the lives of
those people who benefit from their hard work and dedication."
The Volunteer and Non-Profit Secretariat is working
with the communities to strengthen the relationship between the
voluntary and non-profit sector and the Provincial Government, improve
the ability of organizations to do their work, and promote and recognize
the valuable work that volunteers give to the province.
"The Community Services Council Newfoundland and
Labrador has been promoting Volunteer Week for 28 years," said Penelope
Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Services Council
Newfoundland and Labrador. "We are delighted that the Provincial
Government has created the secretariat and that Minister Denine will be
playing an active role this year to recognize the valuable contribution
which volunteers make in lighting up our communities."
Minister Denine will be travelling across the province
during volunteer week to take part in events to recognize and celebrate
the work and accomplishments of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who
give their time and efforts to the community. Volunteers make up
municipal government, recreation leagues, church groups, and health
support organizations. Communities are encouraged to organize their own
celebrations.
"There is no better feeling than the joy a person gets
from volunteering," said Minister Denine. "By getting involved in the
community, whether it is running for municipal government or spending an
hour a week at a school or health care facility, people can have a major
impact on the province. I am calling on all Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians to volunteer and give back to their communities."
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Media contact:
Lesley Clarke
Communications Specialist
Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat
Volunteer and Non-Profit Secretariat
709-729-6026, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
2009 01 28 2:15 p.m.