Since 1985, December 5 has been designated as International Volunteer Day by the United Nations to thank volunteers around the world, to increase public awareness of their contribution to society, and to inspire others to volunteer.
The Government of Canada values the commitment of millions of Canadian volunteers who give generously of their time. Their selfless work and priceless contributions, in collaboration with not for-profit organizations, support the well-being of individuals, families and communities, and help create a stronger Canada.
According to data released in June 2006 from the Canada Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating, 12 million Canadians, or almost half the population of our country, volunteer their time to charitable and not-for-profit organizations. Their contributions totalled almost 2 billion hours, or the equivalent of 1 million full-time jobs in a year.
Since the International Year of Volunteers in 2001, the Government of Canada has been recognizing the valuable contribution of volunteers from communities across Canada through the annual Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award.
This past spring, the Government of Canada honoured Ms. Elizabeth Grandbois of Burlington, Ontario, and Dr. Kwang Yang of Surrey, British Columbia, with this award. Ms. Grandbois, who is an inspiration to everyone, especially people living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease"), emphasized that volunteering is a unique opportunity that allows us to give as well as to learn. Dr. Yang, who finds great joy in serving others, feels that volunteering is a social responsibility. Their stories can be read on the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Web site at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/community_partnerships/therese_casgrain/2008/recipients.shtml.
I applaud all volunteers from across Canada who devote their talents, skills and resources to helping others in their communities. Those who choose to volunteer make a valuable contribution to our society and enable others to live more productive and rewarding lives.
The Hon. Diane Finley, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
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For more information (media only):
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Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
