Fourteen To Receive First Annual June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award For Voluntarism TORONTO, March 28 /CNW/ - More than 9,000 Ontarians will be recognized in 45 Volunteer Service Award ceremonies taking place across Ontario from late March to late June announced Mike Colle, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. "Volunteers build communities and the Volunteer Service Awards are an opportunity to recognize these individuals for the generous contributions to their community," said Colle. This year's tour of 45 ceremonies will cover 34 different communities across the province with ceremonies in locations from Atikokan to Niagara Falls, Windsor to Ottawa. This year's ceremonies will kick-off in Aylmer on March 28th and wrap up in Toronto on June 27th. The first annual June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, formerly called the Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism, will also be presented at select ceremonies. The June Callwood Award recognizes extraordinary leadership, innovation and creativity. Each year, up to 20 Outstanding Achievement Awards are presented. This year there are 14 recipients. Ms. Callwood is synonymous with social justice, social activism and caring in this province. She founded or co-founded more than 50 social action organizations including Digger House, a youth hostel; Nellie's hostel for women; Jessie's, a centre for teenage parents; and Casey House Hospice for those with AIDS. "Volunteers contribute energy and expertise to thousands of organizations across the province. They help coach sports teams, sit on boards, participate in fundraising efforts and everything in between. These engaged, active individuals make our communities better places in which to live," added Colle. More than 5 million Ontario residents volunteer time to 45,000 charitable and non-profit organizations across the province. Other government actions that support and recognize volunteers include: - The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers to recognize outstanding achievements of young people that improve the quality of life in their communities; - Strategic Partnerships Initiatives such as Promoting Diverse Voluntary Sector Leadership; Seniors Mentoring Newcomers - The Ontario Public Service Spirit campaign that encourages OPS employees to participate in volunteer activities. Disponible en français www.citizenship.gov.on.ca www.gov.on.ca/citizenship Backgrounder ------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ONTARIO VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS Purpose The Volunteer Service Awards are a way for the government of Ontario to recognize the millions of Ontarians who volunteer. By submitting a nomination, individuals and organizations can help ensure that Ontario's volunteers receive the recognition they deserve. Recognizing Continuous Service The Volunteer Service Awards recognize volunteers for their continuous years of commitment and service to an organization. Youth volunteers (under the age of 24) are recognized for two or more years of continuous service. Adults are recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 or more years of continuous service. In recognition of exceptionally long-term commitment, a Volunteer Service Award for 60 years and over has been introduced. Eligibility The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are presented to individuals who contribute consecutive years of service to an organization within Ontario, and whose work is characterized by the following: - Volunteer time given to the same group on an ongoing and active basis. (Membership alone is not a qualification for recognition). - Volunteer services are performed outside the normal course of professional or business duties. Organizations that have been in existence for a minimum of five years may complete a nomination. Each organization may nominate up to seven volunteers. At least one of the volunteers must be a youth. Organizations nominating only adults are limited to six nominees. Nominators must attest to the accuracy of the information provided for each volunteer by signing a certification clause on the nomination form for this program. What Recipients Receive Volunteer Service Award recipients are presented with stylized trillium pins and personalized certificates at special ceremonies held across the province. Pins and certificates each correspond to the length of service being recognized. Recipients receive an invitation to attend the ceremony with one guest. Each organization making a nomination is also invited to have two representatives attend the ceremony. THE JUNE CALLWOOD OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR VOLUNTARISM Purpose The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism in Ontario, formerly the Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, recognize extraordinary leadership, innovation and creativity. Each year, up to 20 awards are given to a select group of individuals, organizations and businesses that have made superlative contributions to their communities and the province through voluntary action. Eligibility 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. Recipient Selection Process An independent selection committee reviews the nominations and selects up to 20 recipients. The committee is made up of individuals from across Ontario and represents a variety of disciplines. Timing of the Award Presentations The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism in Ontario are presented at various Volunteer Service Awards across the province. Invitations are extended to each recipient and the nominator. What Recipients Receive June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award recipients are presented with a stylized trillium award and a personalized certificate. Disponible en français www.citizenship.gov.on.ca www.gov.on.ca/citizenship Backgrounder ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD CEREMONY DATES The following is a list of locations and dates for the 2007 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism will be presented at select ceremonies indicated below by an asterisk. MARCH ----- March 28: Aylmer March 29: London (*) March 30: Stratford APRIL ----- April 11: Chatham April 19: Kitchener(*) April 12: Sarnia(*) April 20: Kitchener (2nd ceremony) April 13: Windsor April 23: Scarborough April 16: Hamilton April 24: Scarborough (2nd ceremony) April 17: Hamilton (2nd ceremony) April 25: Oshawa April 18: Brantford April 26: Oshawa (2nd ceremony) MAY --- May 1: North Bay May 23: Petawawa(*) May 2: Sudbury May 24: Ottawa May 3: Huntsville May 25: Ottawa (2nd ceremony) May 7: Thunder Bay May 28: Lindsay(*) May 8: Atikokan May 29: Peterborough May 10: Kenora May 30: Belleville May 15: Timmins(*) May 31: Coburg May 17: Sault St. Marie JUNE ---- June 5: Orillia June 19: Richmond Hill(*) June 6: Barrie June 20: Richmond Hill (2nd ceremony) June 7: Owen Sound June 21: Kingston(*) (1) June 11: Niagara Falls(*) (1) June 22: Kingston(*) (2nd ceremony) June 12: Niagara Falls (2) June 25: Toronto (1) June 13: Vittoria June 26: Toronto (2nd ceremony) June 14: Mississauga(*) June 27: Toronto (3rd ceremony) June 15: Mississauga (2) (*)Kingston - JCOAA date to be confirmed Disponible en français www.citizenship.gov.on.ca www.gov.on.ca/citizenship
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