Over 400 Volunteers to Attend Annual Celebration Event

Toronto, April 10, 2007 

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the YMCA of Greater Toronto will celebrate the work of its volunteers at a special celebration event to be held at the Eglinton Grand Theatre on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.  Over 400 volunteers are expected to attend the event.

The theme of National Volunteer Week and the YMCA’s volunteer celebration event is “Volunteers Grow Community”.  This past year over 5,000 YMCA volunteers gave 64,607 hours of service to the community.

“The magic of community – asking, giving and receiving – takes place daily within our YMCA. Our volunteers are the best examples of this wonderful process.  These individuals are a force for building strong kids, strong families and strong communities,” said Scott Haldane, President and CEO.  “YMCA volunteers are role models who demonstrate what can happen when people work together to improve our communities.”

Five individuals and one group will be presented with a “Celebrated Volunteer” award, which has been designed for the YMCA by artist Karl Shantz.  This year’s award recipients are: Pearl Hart, Richard Holloway, Misha Gaur, Ali Mirkarimi, Bob Kaye and members of the Durham Supervised Access Program: Irene Snodden, Gwen Evans, Glen Grills, Mike Ladiges, Sara Hilts, Berry Nodder, Julie Clark, Andra Norberg and Margaret Jackson.  

Traditionally, the YMCA has held its annual volunteer recognition event in October of each year with its Annual General Meeting.  With the launch of its Strategic Plan, Making the Connections, the YMCA identified volunteerism as a strategic initiative and made the decision to align its activities with National Volunteer Week.

Members of the media are invited to attend the celebration event and encouraged to speak to our volunteers.  A special photography area will be available on site.  If you would like to attend the event, please contact Jamie Slater at 416-413-1020 ext. 2362.

About National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, 2007, pays special tribute to Canadian volunteers who give of themselves to better their communities and the lives of others.  It also raises awareness of the vital contribution volunteers make to our communities and our country.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity focused on community support and development. Our aim is to provide every individual in our community with opportunities for personal growth, community involvement, and leadership. By making connections, collaborating, and mirroring our region’s diversity, we believe we can become the network that binds our many neighbourhoods into one city, one country, and one world.

For more information contact:
Jamie Slater
Manager, Association Communications
YMCA of Greater Toronto
416-413-1020 ext. 2362
jamie.slater@ymcagta.org