The search is on for the Regional District of East Kootenay’s 2012 Volunteers of the Year.

Every year the regional district recognizes one outstanding volunteer from each of its six electoral areas through the Electoral Area Volunteer Appreciation Awards, and nomination forms are now available for this year’s round of honours.

“Volunteers are the driving force behind so many organizations and projects, and this is particularly true in our rural communities,” says RDEK Board Chair, Rob Gay.

“This is our opportunity to recognize the valuable contribution all volunteers make and pay tribute to six special individuals.”

Nominees must be a resident of an electoral area and make voluntary contributions to the spirit, culture or people of the community. Nomination forms can be filled out or downloaded from the RDEK website. They can also be picked up at the Cranbrook and Columbia Valley RDEK offices, from the chairs of the electoral area advisory commissions and various community associations.

The deadline for nominations is March 16. Winners will be notified in May and invited to an awards dinner in their honour.