For Immediate Release
April 25, 2008

MPP LAURIE SCOTT PRAISES WORK OF LOCAL VOLUNTEERS
DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

(City of Kawartha Lakes, ON)  The week of April 27 – May 3 is National Volunteer Week and Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, today expressed her appreciation to the thousands of local volunteers who contribute so much to the betterment of our communities.

“As the MPP for the riding of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, I am pleased to extend a heartfelt thank you to our hardworking and dedicated organizations and their volunteers who truly represent the selfless spirit of giving unto others,” said Scott.

“Volunteering is the lifeblood of our rural communities.  These people share common concerns, purpose, and goodwill,” added Scott.  “It allows us all to assist with nurturing our environment and reaching out to those in need.  It brings people together in hospital hallways, church basements, boardrooms and on playing fields.”

Scott will be participating in a number of local volunteer events, including Community Care's Volunteer Appreciation Tea at the Dunsford Community Center on Sunday to launch Volunteer Week.  Volunteer Service Award events are scheduled to take place in Lindsay on May 23 and Peterborough on May 22.

Over five million Ontarians volunteer yearly and contribute over 800 million annual volunteer hours.  Statistics Canada values Ontario volunteers time at over $10 billion annually and charitable contributions at over $4.4 billion

“These are people in all corners of the Province of Ontario who are giving up their free time in order to help mentor our children, feed our hungry, comfort our lonely, beautify our green spaces and fundraise for our charitable organizations,” said Scott.  “I proudly salute all volunteers who give tirelessly and selflessly in order to improve the quality of life of those they serve.”

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For more information contact:
Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
705-324-6654 or 1-800-424-2490