PROVINCE ACKNOWLEDGES VOLUNTEERS

The Province is thanking Saskatchewan volunteers in commemoration of National Volunteer Week, April 17th-23rd.

"As we look back on the past 100 years, it's clear that we have all benefited from Saskatchewan's long and proud history of hardworking volunteers who give their time and energy to better the lives of others," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minster Joan Beatty said. "These volunteers are the foundation for our province's more than 5,000 incorporated charities and 12,000 culture and recreation organizations in Saskatchewan."

"It is the energy and commitment of volunteers which enables these thousands of community-based organizations, including nearly 300 local housing authorities, to provide services and support to Saskatchewan people every day," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "I want to say to these generous and caring people, you make a difference in the lives of Saskatchewan individuals, children and families all across this great province."

The Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI), established in 2002, works to strengthen the relationship between government and Saskatchewan's voluntary sector to assist volunteer organizations in effectively fulfilling their mandates.

"The VSI is working to improve awareness of the value of volunteerism," Legislative Secretary and Chair of the Voluntary Sector Initiative Doreen Hamilton said. "We have focused our efforts on strengthening the relationship between government and Saskatchewan's voluntary sector so voluntary sector organizations can operate as effectively as possible in fulfilling their individual mandates."

"Our dedicated volunteers contribute an incredible amount to the quality of life in Saskatchewan and our voluntary sector is one of those very special reasons we will celebrate in 2005," Hamilton said. "The Saskatchewan Centennial Leadership Award is open to all Saskatchewan-based non-government organizations that have a provincial focus. It recognizes the contributions of two individuals from each group, one recipient who has helped to build the organization and the other who will carry forth the spirit of leadership and vision into our second century. The volunteer organizations themselves nominate the individuals from their organization who are deserving of this unique award."

The Voluntary Sector Initiative Steering Committee is composed of 14 community representatives and representatives from 11 government departments who interact with the voluntary sector.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0916