CVSS to honour stalwarts in volunteerism

THE COUNCIL of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) will recognise outstanding persons and organisations that have given freely of themselves and their resources to communities at its biennial Hall of Fame and Volunteer Awards Banquet on October 4.

The awards banquet, which is being held under the theme ‘Volunteerism - A Circle of Love’, will be held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, commencing at 7:30 p.m. The Canadian high commissioner, Laurie Peters, is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the event.

Chair of the Planning Committee for the awards banquet Kim Mair said that the nominations received this year were overwhelming. “It is heart-warming to see the number of persons and organisations that, through volunteerism, are making a difference in our society.”

Mair said that the CVSS recognises that volunteerism has largely been referred to at individual level, but noted that many organisations, including private companies, are mobilising volunteers in meaningful ways to create change through hands-on service.

“These organisations also demonstrate a collaborative spirit through partnerships with other organisations to help strengthen communities. To this end, the Hall of Fame and Awards banquet will honour organisations and companies whose policies include volunteer management,”she said.

One of those awarded will be a CVSS Hall of Fame inductee. This recognition will go to an individual who has served or contributed to Jamaica’s voluntary sector for at least 10 years or has demonstarted a strong commitment to the sector.