Mr. Speaker, April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer Week. It was first proclaimed in 1943.
Women's voluntary services organized special events to draw the public's attention to the vital contribution women made to the war effort on the home front.
Today volunteers play a crucial and critical role in contributing to the quality of life in our communities. It is through their tireless efforts and commitment to community values that events such as Canada Day and winter carnivals can be celebrated. Organizations such as the CNIB and the Cancer Society benefit from their energy, skills and dedication.
This year's National Volunteer Week motto is “Volunteers open the doors to a better world”. In my riding of the Oak Ridges the Helpmate Community Information and Volunteer Bureau provides skilled volunteers to many organizations and I pay tribute to their efforts in honour of National Volunteer Week.