Ottawa – 2010 National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 18 to 24, recognizes the hard work and achievements of volunteers across the country. It serves as an opportunity for the Government of Canada to salute the valuable contribution volunteers make to our communities.

“National Volunteer Week gives us all an opportunity to recognize the contributions and charity work of our local volunteers,” said Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo. “That is why our government announced in the Speech from the Throne the creation of a prime ministerial award for volunteerism.”

The spirit of volunteerism is close to the heart of Canadians, and most Canadians are positively affected in some form by volunteering. According to the Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, close to 12.5 million Canadians volunteer their time to charitable and not-for-profit organizations. They contribute over 2 billion hours, the equivalent of more than 1 million full-time jobs.

Recognizing the valuable contribution made by Canada’s seniors, the 2010 Jobs and Growth Budget provides $10 million over two years for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, part of which will foster the continued growth of volunteering among seniors. The Program supports volunteer activities that ensure that seniors can continue to benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities, through active living and participation.

The enhanced funding will support, in part, projects that focus on volunteering among seniors and ensuring that today’s seniors can mentor the next generation of volunteers, passing on their valuable skills. Through initiatives such as this one, the Government encourages Canadians to contribute their time, talents and energy to make their country a better place to live.