January 07, 2011

Dear Friends:

Local volunteers, who give their time, energy and resources to helping residents in need, make Cambridge and North Dumfries the great community it is.

Canada’s Conservative Government applauds their committed stewardship and selfless work.

That is why Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently launched The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards. 

These awards recognize the exceptional contribution of volunteers, local businesses and not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of local families and our community.
 
The awards highlight best practices in local leadership and encourage partnerships across sectors. The government’s goal is to inspire Cambridge and North Dumfries residents to find new ways of making a difference here at home.
 
Nominees can be individuals, groups, businesses, or not-for-profit organizations. All nominees must help provide those facing social challenges with the support, knowledge, and/or information they need to maintain their well-being and actively participate in society

I encourage you to share this good news with your own volunteers and to submit nominations on behalf of the most outstanding individuals.

I wish you the very best.

Sincerely,


Hon. Dr. Gary Goodyear, P.C., M.P.
Cambridge and North Dumfries

PS: The first call for nominations opens April 2011 during National Volunteer Week.  Recipients will be announced later in the year.  For more information please visit: www.pm.gc.ca/awards





Backgrounder: Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards
7 January 2011
Welland, Ontario

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards have been created to recognize Canadians who devote their time, energy and resources to make a difference in the lives of others.
A total of 17 Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards will be awarded across the country. Three awards will be available in each of the following five Canadian regions: Atlantic Canada, Québec, Ontario, the Prairies, British Columbia and Northern Canada. These will be presented in the following categories:

• Community Leader Award – Intended for individuals or groups, nominees must act as a catalyst to develop solutions to local problems.
• Business Leader Award – Intended for private sector recipients, nominees must demonstrate corporate social responsibility by using financial and/or human resources, and/or developing partnerships with not-for-profit organizations or social enterprises to address social issues.
• Social Innovator Award – Intended for the not-for-profit sector, nominees must demonstrate innovation by developing new approaches or new ideas to address social challenges.

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 awards will be managed and funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
The first call for nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards will open in April 2011 during National Volunteer Week. Recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony in December 2011.