Kamloops-Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo is reminding constituents to show their appreciation for extraordinary volunteers in their communities by nominating them for a Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award.
“Our government is committed to recognizing the enormous contribution volunteers make to our communities and our country,” said McLeod. “The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards were created as a way to annually recognize those who make exceptional voluntary contributions, including individuals, not-for-profit organizations and businesses.”
A total of 17 awards are given at both the regional and national level. The regional component recognizes individual volunteers or groups of volunteers, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The national component is divided into two categories: one for lifelong achievement and one for new volunteers.
Award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony and can identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award). However, to receive an award, potential recipients must first be nominated by someone. The current call for nominations is open until March 1, 2013.
Last year, the Government received over 750 nominations. The first recipients of the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards were honoured at an awards ceremony held on December 14, 2012 in Ottawa.
“With almost half of all Canadians volunteering, there are many more who deserve to be nominated—let’s make sure their valuable work is recognized,” concluded McLeod.
To learn more about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, including access to an online nomination form, please visit www.pm.gc.ca/awards or call 1-877-825-0434.