Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities. Their gift of time, effort and energy, enriches all of our lives. Take a moment to think of how volunteers have made a difference in your life.

In Haliburton-Victoria-Brock volunteers purchase vital equipment for hospitals, help fund college campus expansions, run a radio station, raise money for medical research, run fall fairs and community events, provide services to seniors, deliver programmes for area children and youth, and so much more. Can you imagine what we would lose without the dedication and hard work of volunteers?

Throughout my entire life, I have been a volunteer, and can attest to the great amount of gratification that helping others can give a person. I still try and volunteer in my community as much as possible. If you have the time to give a few hours back to your community, I encourage you to do so. There is nothing more rewarding.

Everywhere you look, volunteers are making a real difference. One of the most rewarding things that I do as your MPP is to have the opportunity to thank volunteers for their hard work and commitment to making our communities better.

The Ontario government recognizes the important role that volunteers play, through volunteer awards. Each year, the Ontario government recognizes volunteers from all sectors through the Volunteer Service Awards, celebrating continuous years of service, and the Outstanding Achievement Awards, honouring exemplary performance. The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers recognizes exceptional volunteer achievement by young people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Perhaps you know of someone who has made a real difference through volunteering. Please take the time to nominate them for one of Ontario’s volunteer awards. Nominations are being accepted for these awards until April 8, 2005.

Ontario Volunteer Service Awards
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are presented to volunteers who contribute consecutive years of service to a group within Ontario. These volunteers will have given of their time on an ongoing and active basis to the same group and are nominated by the group.

This is a way for local community, not-for-profit groups, schools and others to recognize the contribution their volunteers are making. Groups that have been in existence for a minimum of five years may complete a nomination. Each group may nominate up to six volunteers

Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism
Among the thousands of volunteers in Ontario, there are those who make exceptional contributions. The Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism in Ontario recognize extraordinary leadership, innovation and creativity. Each year, 20 awards are given to a select group of individuals, organizations and businesses.

The Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism in Ontario are presented to individuals, groups and businesses that have made lasting and meaningful contributions, or provided significant support to the volunteer activities of: community and not-for-profit organizations or associations; co-operatives, boards; commissions; businesses; government ministries that directly recruit volunteers; art/educational/correctional institutions and schools; municipalities; long-term care facilities and hospitals.

Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers was created to recognize the outstanding achievements of young volunteers across the province of Ontario. The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers is presented to 10 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years of age.

The young people who are presented with this award are those who have made will have made a tremendous contribution in the community through their volunteer efforts. They serve as role models, inspiring others to volunteer and helped others within the community.

If you would like more information about nominating someone for one of these awards, please contact my constituency office at 705-324-6654 or visit the Ontario Honours & Awards Website at http://www.gov.on.ca/citizenship/english/citdiv/honours/index.html