Statement by the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), on National Volunteer Week

OTTAWA, April 6, 2014­ /CNW/ - The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), today issued the following statement to mark National Volunteer Week, which takes place April 6 to 12, 2014:

"Every day, millions of Canadians shape this country through their volunteer work. In Canada, there are 161, 000 not-for-profit and charitable organizations. More than half of these organizations have no paid staff and rely almost completely on volunteers. Wherever there is a need, there are people willing to lend a hand.

National Volunteer Week recognizes these Canadians who show their compassion, generosity and commitment to communities across our country. Whether it is visiting seniors, canvassing for funds or preparing meals, they are making a difference.

My department promotes volunteerism through a number of programs. They include: the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others; the Social Development Partnerships Program, which forges partnerships with organizations to tackle social issues; and the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards, which I had the pleasure of handing out last month in Toronto. The awards recognize individuals, businesses and organizations for their contributions in improving the well-being of families and their communities.

I encourage you to take the time this week to thank a volunteer, and I look forward to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Canada's 13.3 million volunteers at the National Volunteer Week Reception in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 9. Their selfless efforts are not only making Canada a better place to live, they are creating a legacy of giving that will last for generations to come."

Nominations for the next Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards are now being accepted until May 9, 2014. For more information about the current call for nominations, please visit www.pm.gc.ca/awards or call 1‑877‑825‑0434.

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

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