HALIFAX: The contributions of volunteers from across Nova Scotia were celebrated today, September 28, at the 52nd annual Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony in Halifax.
“Nova Scotia is stronger because of its volunteers,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister responsible for the Voluntary Sector.
“Through their service and generosity, volunteers help strengthen communities, foster hope and demonstrate that the best of Nova Scotia shines through when neighbours help neighbours.”
Awards were presented in four categories:
– Newcomer Volunteer Award, for a newcomer who has demonstrated extraordinary outreach to and volunteerism in their new community
– Youth Volunteer Award, for a volunteer aged 13 to 24
– Family Volunteer Award, for a family of two or more people living in the same community
– Nova Scotia Strong Award, recognizing resilience during a time of tragedy or struggle.
Along with the provincial awards, each municipality and Mi’kmaw community selected a representative to receive an individual Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding service at the community level.
Details about the award recipients and more information about the awards are available at: https://novascotia.ca/nonprofitsector/provincialvolunteerawards/
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Quotes:
“Volunteers represent the very best of Nova Scotia. They give their time, energy and talents not for recognition, but because they care deeply about their neighbours and the places they call home. These individuals and families remind us that acts of service, large and small, have the power to strengthen communities and inspire others.
“On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I congratulate this year’s recipients and thank the thousands of volunteers across our province who make a difference every day.”
— Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage
“Volunteerism is what turns a community from a place people live into a place people belong. This recognition isn’t just for me; it’s for every newcomer, every BIPOC community member, every young person, every rural family who’s ever wondered if they belong here.
“Volunteering taught me that belonging isn’t something you wait for – it’s something you build, one act of showing up at a time. If this award does anything, I hope it tells someone else out there that they can build something that matters too, even when they’re starting with nothing.”
— Tavneet Kaur, recipient, Newcomer Volunteer Award
Quick Facts:
– award recipients are selected by a citizens’ selection committee; the awards program is administered by the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
– according to Statistics Canada, 37 per cent of Nova Scotians aged 15 and older formally volunteered in 2023, contributing about 40 million hours of volunteer service – an average of 124 hours per volunteer – with an economic value of about $980 million
