According to volunteer.ca, over 12.5 million Canadians dedicate their time across the country for community services.

Community health care, sports and recreation, heritage and arts, environmental protection and advocacy, disaster relief, International developing, volunteer firefighting are just some of the many services volunteers across the nation have helped provide for their communities.

What better way to celebrate the hard, selfless work present in all communities then with National Volunteer Week (NVW).

NVW takes place on April 10-16, and is Canada’s largest celebration of volunteers, volunteerism and civic participation. NVW was first proclaimed in 1943 to help draw the public’s attention to the vital contribution of women to the war effort on the home front. Later in the 1960s, the week was brought back to broaden its scope and include all community volunteers across the nation.

“Volunteers: Passion. Action. Impact.” is the theme of this year’s NVW campaign to celebrate those who make Canada a great place to live.

Interior Health recently released a press release thanking the volunteers within their organization for assistance in the health field.

Columbia House in the District of Invermere also extends a big “thank-you” to its volunteers for their wonderful work.

ICBC has given thanks to volunteer groups in Salmon Arm, Golden, Invermere and Sicamous for community road safety efforts.

Speed Watch, Lock Out Auto Crime and Stolen Auto Recovery volunteer programs have helped reduce accidents in these communities, as well as assist with vehicle safety and complaints of vehicle theft.

The Columbia Valley hosts a plethora of dedicated volunteer groups, from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats and all areas in between.

The Valley Echo would like to thank all volunteers in the Valley, in groups or as individuals, for their continued effort in our communities.