Ministerial Statement – Minister Dempster Recognizes National Volunteer Week

  • Children, Seniors and Social Development

April 9, 2019

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize April 7 to 13 as National Volunteer Week.

This year’s theme The Volunteer Factor – Lifting Communities, highlights the exponential impact of volunteers and how they lift their communities. Our province’s volunteers also lift our spirits and contribute to our well-being.

Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, 46 per cent of our residents volunteer at an average of 151 hours a year. This incredible statistic clearly shows us the true sense of selflessness and passion shared by our province’s volunteers and community sector.

Our communities are vibrant and stronger when volunteers get involved. Their guidance and caring has made a difference in so many lives. To all of our volunteers, you should be very proud of your accomplishments. Your kindness and support continues to have a monumental impact on children, families and seniors in every aspect of their lives.

It is especially appropriate during National Volunteer Week that the contributions of volunteers are both recognized and celebrated. Please accept our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers for your ongoing efforts, work and dedication.

Later this week, I am scheduled to participate in volunteer appreciation events taking place throughout the province.

Mr. Speaker, as I’ve often said, volunteers do not get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

I invite all members of this House to please join me in congratulating our province’s volunteers for the invaluable role they play in our society.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2019 04 09 1:55 pm