June 19, 2015 – Gatineau, Quebec – Employment and Social Development Canada
There is only one week left to submit the names of outstanding Canadian volunteers whose accomplishments have had a positive impact on their community. In doing so, you also give them a chance to provide an eligible not-for-profit organization of their choice with a grant of up to $10,000.
The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards recognize the enormous contributions volunteers, innovative not-for-profit organizations and forward thinking businesses make to their communities. Volunteering, charitable donations and philanthropy all play a key role in helping communities address social challenges. These prestigious awards are an opportunity to recognize the important contributions of the many Canadians who work together to improve the well-being of families and communities across the country.
The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards consist of 17 awards in total—2 at the national level and 15 at the regional level. Regional award recipients have the opportunity to identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000, and national award recipients can identify an eligible not-for-profit organization for a grant for $10,000.
The call for nominations closes on June 30, 2015. Nominate an exceptional volunteer, business or not-for-profit organization today.
More information about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards can be found at: pm.gc.ca/awards.
Aaron Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment and Social Development
819-994-2482
aaron.bell@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing the enormous contribution volunteers make to Canada. The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards were created as a way to annually recognize those who make exceptional voluntary contributions, including individuals, not-for-profit organizations and businesses.
The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards consist of 17 awards in total.
Fifteen regional awards – three awards for each of five regions across Canada (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, British Columbia and the North):
- Community Leader recognizes individual volunteers or groups of volunteers who have taken a lead role in developing solutions to local challenges.
- Business Leader recognizes businesses that demonstrate social responsibility in their business practices.
- Social Innovator recognizes not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate innovation in addressing social challenges.
Two national awards:
- Emerging Leader recognizes new volunteers who help build stronger communities through leadership and have made a positive difference in their community in a short period of time. This award is for those who have volunteered for no more than three years.
- Lifelong Achievement recognizes individuals who have dedicated their life to volunteering and have inspired other volunteers, led volunteer groups or made other exceptional achievements through volunteering. This award is for those who have volunteered for a period of at least 20 years.
Recipients are selected through a three-step assessment process:
- The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards Secretariat screens nominations to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Regional Reviewers: Volunteer representatives from across the country assess eligible nominations based on the assessment criteria and develop a list of top‑ranked nominations for the National Advisory Committee.
- National Advisory Committee: Up to 15 volunteer committee members from various regions of Canada are selected by the Minister of Employment and Social Development. The National Advisory Committee assesses the top-ranked nominations and advises the Minister for final decisions.
More information about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards can be found at: pm.gc.ca/awards.
