Nominations close June 19 2009 for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award.The Government of Canada is encouraging Canadians across the country to nominate volunteers who have made a difference in the lives of individuals and their communities. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced the 2009 call for nominations for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award. The call for nominations opened on April 21, 2009.

Canada’s volunteers of all ages coach and guide our children, serve the less fortunate, help protect the environment, and support the not-for-profit sector," said Minister Finley. "I encourage Canadians to nominate outstanding volunteers who have contributed significantly to the well-being of their fellow Canadians."

The Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award helps to recognize the valuable achievements of Canada’s many volunteers who have demonstrated leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work in support of their communities.

The award will be presented to two exceptional volunteers - one for Youth Participation (from the age of 18 to 30) and, one for Lifelong Commitment (from the age of 31 and over) - in December, to coincide with International Volunteer Day.

According to the 2004 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, 12 million Canadians volunteer over 2 billion hours of their time annually to charities or other not-for-profit organizations.

The Government of Canada recognizes the enormous contribution that volunteers of all ages make to the lives of Canadians, their communities and the economy. They donate their time and energy to make Canada a better place to live.

For more information on the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award, please visit the Human Resources and Skills Development Web site: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/therese_casgrain/index.shtml