GATINEAU, QC, April 11, 2016 /CNW/ - "Volunteers are the roots of strong communities is the theme of this year's National Volunteer Week, which takes place from April 10 to 16. As Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and as a proud Canadian citizen, it is important for me to recognize the essential contributions volunteers across the country make in their communities and in our lives.
Canadians are very generous volunteers. Almost 13 million Canadians aged 15 years and over give of their time, and almost twice as many (82 percent) give money to a charitable or not‑for‑profit organization. By giving of themselves, volunteers help Canada's most vulnerable people and strengthen our communities.
More than half of not-for-profit organizations rely entirely on volunteering, making volunteers the roots of sustainable community organizations. Volunteerism is broad and inclusive: anyone can volunteer. Whether it is a parent helping their child's sports team or a young person visiting seniors in a home, each action is meaningful.
Let's celebrate the great achievements of Canadian volunteers and thank them for their contributions to our communities. We can all find inspiration and motivation in their actions so that we can also be the face of change in our communities.
I invite not-for-profit organizations and businesses to take this opportunity to thank their volunteers for coming together, from all walks of life, to make change happen and to continue building communities that we are proud to call home.
I look forward to recognizing some of Canada's exceptional volunteers at the coming Canada's Volunteer Awards in June and to giving back Thérèse Casgrain a well-deserved honour in the Lifelong Achievement Award."
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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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