PROVINCE THANKS VOLUNTEERS

The Province says thank you to Saskatchewan volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 18th to 24th.

"Saskatchewan has more than 12,000 non-profit organizations and 5,000 incorporated charities all driven by a vibrant volunteer community that has enriched all our lives," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize the significant contribution that volunteers make in our province."

According to the National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, 323,000 Saskatchewan residents volunteer annually an average of 154 hours each, the highest in Canada.

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

"The volunteer sector is a valued part of the social fabric of this province and we salute the dedicated people who donate their time and talents to strengthening our communities across the province," Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative Chair Doreen Hamilton said.

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 and Employment 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 and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0916