The Volunteer Centre of Guelph and Wellington, in partnership with the county, has announced that the nomination packages are now available for the 2008 County of Wellington volunteer appreciation awards.
The program recognizes and honours significant contributions of individuals who devote their volunteer time and effort to the continuous development of local nonprofit and charitable organizations in the county. It is those volunteers whose generosity of time and spirit provide service to the community and inspire others to contribute.
Christine Oldfield told county council on Jan. 31 that the association is particularly interested the quiet people, so “those that are working away behind the scenes and don’t get recognition will have a chance.”
Warden John Green said the county is pleased to participate in the awards and, “It’s certainly well received in my municipality.”
Councillor Brad Whitcombe told council that when he was warden, councillor Lou Maieron had taken on the task of working to get volunteers some recognition, and “He helped make it a success. He’s still involved.”
Maieron, though, said the hard work was only in the first year, until people knew about the project, and he said he expects there will be nominees from each municipality.
The awards form a part of National Volunteer Week 2008 celebrations. Many local events and celebrations are planned at this time of year to recognize thousands of volunteers in the community.
The 2008 recipients will be presented with their awards at the April 24 county council meeting. Recipients will receive an award, certificate, and a luncheon reception. There will be one selected recipient representing each municipality in Wellington County.
Nomination packages (as attached) are also available by contacting the Volunteer Centre of Guelph and Wellington at 1-866-693-3318 or 519-822-0912. They can be downloaded from www.volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca and from the of the county www.county.wellington.on.ca.
National Volunteer Week will be celebrated between April 27 and May 3. The theme of this year is “volunteers from compassion to action” reflecting the inspiration that drives volunteers to donate their time, energy and skills to improve their communities and the county.
