SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer is extending a province-wide thank you to the thousands of volunteers across Saskatchewan by proclaiming Volunteer Week in the province from April 27 to May 3.

"As the Minister of Social Services, I see on a daily basis how important volunteers are," Harpauer said. "Volunteers in over 1,600 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) help deliver services such as counselling, housing, community living and disaster relief. Saskatchewan people are famous for giving their time and energy. This week gives us a chance to show our heartfelt appreciation for their volunteerism."

The Ministry of Social Services contracts directly with over 400 Community-Based Organizations to deliver services throughout Saskatchewan, which is more than any other provincial Ministry. The Saskatchewan Housing Authority, for example, works with about 276 Housing Authorities who have a network of 1,500 volunteers province-wide. In addition, volunteer boards own and operate about 200 non-profits and co-operatives that own nearly half of the provincial housing inventory.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Minister Harpauer will serve lunch with other volunteers at the Chili for Children hot lunch program April 30. Chili for Children began in 1979 and now feeds over 500 children from three locations, three times a week. Each month, they provide over 6,000 free hot, nutritious lunches to inner city children who would otherwise go hungry.

"Volunteers and CBOs play a key role in numerous provincial Ministries," Harpauer said. "And volunteers unselfishly donate their time to an endless list of activities in their communities, including schools, community programs, minor sports, and the arts. Every day, our volunteers make a vital contribution to improving the quality of life for Saskatchewan people."

This year's theme is "From Compassion to Action". National Volunteer Week is being celebrated across the country by governments, communities and all Canadians who have benefited from the dedication of volunteers.

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For more information, contact:

Debbie Clark
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689
Email: dclark@cr.gov.sk.ca