PROVINCE THANKS VOLUNTEERS

The Province says thank you to Saskatchewan volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 23rd to 29th.

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the tremendous contribution made by more than 12,000 non-profit organizations and 5,000 incorporated charities in Saskatchewan.

"Volunteers grow communities and in Saskatchewan that's especially true," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "Helping others is something that just comes naturally to Saskatchewan people and that's why we have the highest volunteer rates in the country."

According to the National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, 42 per cent of all Saskatchewan residents volunteer, the highest percentage in Canada.

"It is the enthusiasm, energy and dedication of volunteers which enables thousands of community-based organizations to provide services and support to the people of Saskatchewan each and every day," Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said. "It is the hard work and commitment of these generous and caring people that continue to make a difference in the quality of life of individuals, children and families in every corner of this great province."

"Thank you to all the volunteers who offer their time and talents to making Saskatchewan a great place to live, work and raise a family," Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative Chair Doreen Hamilton said. "Through the collaborative work of the Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative, we continue our contribution to creating a province with an unbreakable social fabric."

The Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative, established in 2002, works to strengthen the relationship between government and Saskatchewan's voluntary sector to assist volunteer organizations in effectively fulfilling their mandates. Culture, Youth and Recreation and Community Resources are the two lead departments supporting the initiative and Legislative Secretary Doreen Hamilton is Chair of the Voluntary Sector Initiative.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

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