Dear Sir/Madam:

I am pleased to inform you that nominations are now being accepted for the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards. The call for nominations is open between December 20th, 2012 and March 1st, 2013. I invite you to submit a nomination and to share this information.

The awards recognize achievements in a wide range of volunteer activity, including:

• individual volunteers or groups of volunteers who give of their time, energy and expertise;
• businesses whose commitment to social responsibility strengthens the communities in which their employees live; and
• not-for-profit organizations whose innovative approaches to volunteerism make a difference every day in the lives of Canadians.

Last year, over 750 nominations were received. With almost half of all Canadians volunteering, we know that there are many volunteers who deserve to be nominated. The Government of Canada wants to make sure that outstanding voluntary efforts are recognized, but we need people like you to help by submitting nominations.

I recently had the privilege of honouring the recipients of the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards at a ceremony held in Ottawa on December 14, 2012. It was inspiring to meet these 17 remarkable volunteers who have made such deep commitments to their communities.

Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony and can identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award).

As your organization is one that could both nominate someone or be nominated, I encourage you to share information about the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards and the call for nominations. Let's give Canada's volunteers the recognition they deserve.

You will find in the link provided, a short article that can be used in your communications with your members, associates or employees.

For more information, or to learn more about previous award recipients, please visit www.pm.gc.ca/awards or call 1-877-825-0434.