2013 URock Awards to Celebrate Young Volunteers

Newfoundland and Labrador’s youth and youth-based organizations will be recognized for their contributions and achievements at the 2013 URock Volunteer Awards. Steve Kent, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, will present the eight awards tomorrow evening (Saturday, May 25). This year’s awards show will be held at The Rooms, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“In every region of Newfoundland and Labrador our passionate youth and youth-led groups are making incredible contributions,” said Minister Hutchings. “This collective and concerted effort is creating a more prosperous and vibrant province for the benefit of all citizens. The URock Awards is a way of recognizing and celebrating their hard work and dedication.”

The 2013 recipients of the URock Volunteer Awards are Beyond the Hurt of Gander, Catherine Price of Fortune, Donovan Taplin of Bell Island, ENACTUS from Memorial University of Newfoundland, John Norman of Bonavista, Kandice Power of Paradise, Nicole Furey of Avondale, and Sabrina Andrews of Grand Falls-Windsor.

This year’s show, hosted by local comedian Matt Wright, will feature performances by Kellie Loder, City on the Coast, Two Oceans and RocketRocketShip.

“I would like to congratulate this year’s nominees and winners and thank each of them for their individual contributions and commitment to our province,” said Minister Hutchings. “I encourage others to follow the lead of these exemplary youth and become involved in your community and province. No matter if you help one or 1,000 people, you are making a valuable contribution. If we each do our part, we will continue to create a stronger and more prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Nominations for the 2013 URock Awards were made in two categories: individuals and youth-led non-profit community-based organizations. Individual nominees must have made outstanding voluntary contributions without reward or gain, be 30 years of age or under, and be a current or past resident of Newfoundland and Labrador. Organizations nominated must be youth-led groups which have made outstanding contributions without reward or gain, for the betterment of others.

For more information about the URock Volunteer Awards visit the website at www.urockvolunteerawards.ca , email volunteers@gov.nl.ca.

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Media contact:
Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2013 05 24                                   3:30 p.m.