Celebrating Volunteers from Coast to Coast to Coast

“As we celebrate volunteer week in Canada April 18 to 24 and the 20th Anniversary of International Year of the volunteer, I wish to express my gratitude to the remarkable volunteers of Saskatchewan. Every day you make a positive difference in our communities and you enrich our province beyond measure. I am pleased to join with my Canadian Vice-Regal colleagues and Territorial Commissioners in issuing the following joint statement in celebration of Canada’s most precious resource,” said Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty.

Volunteers are the gold of this earth, and Canada’s Lieutenant Governors and Territorial Commissioners are marking the 20th anniversary of the United Nations’ International Year of Volunteers by saluting the millions of Canadian volunteers who bring life and energy to our country.

The theme of this 20th anniversary – “Our Past, Our Future” – recognizes the growth and development of the volunteer sector and sets the tone for imagining and creating opportunities for the next 20 years and beyond.

Those who volunteer willingly give their time and energy, choosing this way to serve their communities. Volunteers provide leadership, creativity and enthusiasm by saying “yes” to finding solutions.

That simple word – “yes” – creates a world of possibilities. The affirmation enables tens of thousands of projects and organizations to enhance life in Canada. It opens the doors for millions of personal encounters that add joy and encouragement to Canadians. It creates opportunities for volunteers themselves to enjoy learning, growing and feeling deep satisfaction.

In these unprecedented times, we continue to be amazed by the resilience of Canadians, responding with humanity, hope and determination to great challenges through volunteer organizations and countless personal acts of caring and giving. For all of the things we know they have done, we are aware that there are just as many acts of kindness we don’t know about.

During National Volunteer Week, April 18 to 24, we extend our heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of all Canadians, to our volunteers for their commitment to our communities and our country. Bravo!

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Media information:

Carolyn Speirs

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

306-787-6460

carolyn.speirs@gov.sk.ca