Challenging Youth To Change The World

    McGuinty Government Issues Youth Volunteer Challenge

    TORONTO, April 21 /CNW/ -

    NEWS

    Young Ontarians are being challenged to change the world and volunteer in
their local communities.
    ChangeTheWorld Ontario Youth volunteer events are being organized in
seven communities during National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 27 to
May 3.The seven communities include:
    -  Timmins
    -  Kingston
    -  Ottawa
    -  Markham
    -  Hamilton
    -  Guelph and
    -  Kitchener-Waterloo.

    Youth will also be able to share their experiences on a Facebook group
called ChangeTheWorld Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge.
    National Volunteer Week will also highlight Ontario's volunteer tradition
with activities and ceremonies, including:

    -  the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
    -  the June Callwood Award for Outstanding Achievement in Voluntarism
    -  Ontario Volunteer Service Awards ceremonies recognizing youth and
       adults for up to 60 years of service to a community organization
       (ongoing from April 2 to June 30).

    QUOTES

    "Volunteering is the best way to create the world you want," says Michael
Chan, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, with responsibility for
volunteerism. "During National Volunteer Week, take a step and build your
communities: volunteer."
    "Young volunteers add so much to our communities: energy, hope, talent and
passion," says Ann Coburn, chair, Ontario Volunteer Centre Network.

    QUICK FACTS

    -  More than 2.3 million Ontarians volunteer in 45,000 charitable and
       non-profit organizations.

    -  63% of Ontario's youth aged 15-24 volunteer.

    LEARN MORE

    To get involved and volunteer in your local community visit
www.ontario.ca/changetheworld
(http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/changetheworld/) for more information about
ChangeTheWorld.
    Visit Ontario's National Volunteer Week webpage
(http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/volunteerism/nvw/changetheworld/lead
/) for a calendar of volunteer events across Ontario and the Volunteer Service
Awards schedule.
    View the Facebook group: ChangeTheWorld Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge
for volunteers' photos and discussion.
    For information on volunteering opportunities, visit Ontario Volunteer
Centre Network at www.ocvn.ca.

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For further information: Coralie D'Souza, Minister's Office, (416)
325-6204; Michel Payen-Dumont, Communications Branch, [phone]