Have you met a volunteer whose work in the past year had a profound impact on your community? Once again, you have the opportunity to nominate them for a Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award as a way of bringing them wider recognition for their service and accomplishments.

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards celebrate the enormous contributions of volunteers. They also recognize the contributions that not-for-profit organizations and businesses make to their communities.

You can nominate someone in the following national and regional categories.

National –

• Emerging Leader recognizes new volunteers who help build stronger communities through leadership and have made a positive difference in their community in a short period of time. This award is for those who have volunteered for no more than three years.
• Lifelong Achievement recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to volunteering and have inspired other volunteers, led volunteer groups or made other exceptional achievements through volunteering. This award is for those who have volunteered for a period of at least 20 years. 

Regional –

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

Recipients are invited to choose an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award). They are also recognized at an award ceremony in Ottawa.
Submissions are accepted from April 13 to June 30, 2015.

The nomination process is described more fully at www.pm.gc.ca/awards. You may also call 1-877-825-0434 and enquire about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards.

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