The recognition of Island volunteers as well as the importance of volunteering will be promoted during the International Year of Volunteers. The United Nations has designated 2001 as a time to recognize the work of volunteers and facilitate continuing volunteer work.
Premier Pat Binns says volunteers are "essential to the quality of life in Island communities and vital in the provisions of many supports and services to Islanders. We enjoy a high level of voluntarism and during this special year we encourage the recognition of volunteers and the work they do in supporting individuals, organizations and causes."
Statistics Canada reports that Islanders give about 4.8 million hours of their time each year in support of volunteer efforts. "Volunteers are the heart and soul of our community," says the Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. "Over the years, volunteers have shaped and improved virtually every aspect of our lives. Their efforts have touched every one of us in some way."
During the year, the Government of Prince Edward Island will promote specific initiatives to honour Island volunteers and to encourage others to become a volunteer. The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs is offering organizations special certificates and pins to honour their volunteers. TV and radio promotions will celebrate and promote volunteering and a special newspaper supplement will highlight volunteer efforts.
National Volunteer Week will be celebrated during the fourth week in April. This will be another opportunity to thank many citizens who take the time out from their busy lives to do volunteer work. This will also be a fitting time for us to reflect upon the vital contributions volunteers make and the impact that their collective efforts have on our communities.