Nine volunteer-based organizations will get an extra boost thanks to a three-year agreement signed today by Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Gail A. Shea and UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan.
"Volunteers represent the very fabric of our Island community. Following a very successful International Year of Volunteers, we felt that it was important to keep the momentum going," says Minister Shea. "This agreement will offer many benefits to volunteer organizations, students and the community."
Through this program, every year for the next three years, three charitable organizations will be provided with the services of a UPEI cooperative education student. These nine students will work on such things as marketing plans, fundraising or any other project that will be educational for the student and assist the volunteer agency.
"This is a win-win partnership," says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "Our co-op students gain valuable work experience and they, by sharing their knowledge and talents, help to strengthen the voluntary sector's contribution to the Province."
The S.A.V.E. Program will run from May 2002 to April 2005 and will include a contribution of $47, 250 from the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
"Islanders who volunteer their time, energy and talents to charitable and non-profit organizations play an important role in improving Island communities and the lives of its citizens," says Minister Shea.