The best solutions to the challenges facing Canada’s communities are often found locally. For this reason, in January 2011, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards to recognize the enormous contribution volunteers make to Canada.

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards recognize the exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of families and their communities.

If you know a volunteer, innovative not-for-profit organization or a local business that makes a positive impact on your community, you can nominate them today!

The deadline for nominations is midnight (EDT) on September 9, 2011. Nominations submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than the deadline.

•  All nominees must have contributed to addressing social challenges in their community.

•  Political and public advocacy work are excluded.

Award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony which will be held in the winter and their achievements will be profiled.

All award recipients will receive a medal, a Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards pin and a letter of congratulations from the Prime Minister.

In addition, regional award recipients will be eligible to identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a $5,000 grant. National award recipients will be eligible to identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a $10,000 grant. In order to be eligible to receive a grant, grant recipients must be not-for-profit organizations, including registered charities, helping improve life outcomes for people with disabilities, children and families, and other vulnerable populations.

For further information call 1-877-825-0434 or send an email to the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards at info-pmva@hrsdc.gc.ca.