The Provincial government, in partnership with CFCY, CHTN and Magic 93, is launching a year-long initiative to recognize Island volunteers and promote volunteerism. It is in conjunction with the celebration of the Year 2001 being International Year of Volunteers.
Premier Pat Binns says the program will have three key elements: "It will recognize the volunteer work contributed by many Islanders, as well as offering the opportunity for Islanders to nominate people they feel should be recognized for their volunteer work. We also expect that the program, by regularly highlighting volunteer efforts, will encourage even more Islanders to volunteer."
Each day the radio stations will name an individual Volunteer of the Day. The recognition will include a brief overview of the volunteer work in which the individual is involved. A special certificate will also be presented to each person recognized as the Volunteer of the Day.
Frank Lewis, General Manager of CFCY, CHTN and Magic 93, says the program will involve an intense marketing campaign, and a key aspect is the fact that the volunteers will be nominated by their peers. "We are inviting Islanders to send us their nominations. It is an opportunity for those who benefit directly from the work of volunteers to have that person and that work publicly recognized."
Premier Binns says Islanders already volunteer almost five million hours a year and contribute to many aspects of community and Island life. "The volunteer effort is outstanding and it makes a tremendous difference in the quality of life we enjoy. During this year we want to celebrate volunteers, and this program helps us do that."
Mr. Lewis states: "An I Volunteer web page will be part of the program, and we invite Islanders to log on to our site and list their volunteer efforts and look at what other Islanders are doing." By the end of the year, the web page will have an impressive overview of volunteer life of Prince Edward Island.