THUNDER BAY – Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced a new volunteer awards program. “Our Government is proud of the millions of volunteers and other everyday Canadians who generously give their time, experience and expertise to make their communities stronger,” said Prime Minister Harper. “These awards will celebrate their enormous contributions and we hope it encourages others to participate and make a difference in their own communities.”
The program will recognize the outstanding contributions of Canadians who volunteer their time, energy and talents to helping others, as well as local business leaders and individuals from not-for-profit organizations that make a difference in their communities.
A total of 17 Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards will be presented annually. Fifteen regional awards will be presented to volunteers, business leaders and individuals from not-for-profit organizations. There will also be two national awards, one to recognize lifelong achievement and one for a young adult.
Regional award recipients will receive a $5,000 grant for the not-for-profit organization of their choice, while national award recipients will receive $10,000 for their organization of choice.
The first call for nominations will open in April 2011 during National Volunteer Week and the recipients will be announced later in the year.
The creation of the new awards program addresses a commitment made by the Harper Government in the 2010 Speech from the Throne.