They don’t receive a paycheque. They have no union. Often they’re little-noticed and sometimes they feel under-appreciated. But across Canada—including right here in Yorkton-Melville—volunteers show up to work with keen minds, open hands, strong backs, and willing spirits. They do everything from spearheading local initiatives to helping rescue people from their flooded homes.

Without volunteers, Canada would be far less a wonderful place in which to live—and so would our province. Results of the most recent national survey (2007) of volunteering in Canada showed that Saskatchewan has a 58.6% rate of volunteerism—the highest percentage recorded across the country.

Those statistics translate into people like Helen Hellegards-MacFarlane of Kamsack. Helen’s long and exceptional service to her community earned her a 2010 Saskatchewan volunteer medal.

I’m pleased to announce that the Government of Canada has recently introduced an annual national awards program to celebrate the contribution of our country’s many volunteers, but also to inspire even more Canadians to make a difference in their communities.

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards (PMVA) consist of a total of seventeen awards, three for each of five Canadian regions, and two for national recognition. Winners will receive grant money to go to their favourite recognized non-profit organization. ($5,000 for regional awards and $10,000 for national awards).
In each Canadian region, three award categories will be presented each year:

• Community Leader—to recognize individuals or groups who have taken a lead role in developing solutions to local problems.
• Business Leader—to recognize businesses that demonstrate social responsibility in their business practices.
• Social Innovator—to recognize not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate innovation in addressing social challenges.

One award will also be given every year in each of these two categories:

• Lifelong Achievement—to recognize individuals who have made a difference in their communities by volunteering and by providing leadership over the course of their lives (generally for a period of at least 20 years).
• Emerging Leader—to recognize new volunteers who are helping to build stronger communities through exceptional voluntary leadership, and who have made a positive difference in their community over a short period of time (generally for a period of less than three years).

Do you know an exceptional volunteer or volunteer organization? This is your chance to contribute to those around you. By nominating individuals or groups, businesses or not-for-profit organizations, you can help them receive the recognition they deserve. Your nomination could also assist a worthy organization and make Canada even stronger.

Nominations are open until September 9, 2011. Award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony to be held in early 2012.

If you are inspired to learn more about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, you can do so at www.pm.gc.ca/awards , or call 1-877-825-0434.

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The audio version of Garry's Aug. 8, 2011 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here