Truro to host 50th annual Provincial Volunteer Awards
TRURO — Truro will welcome volunteers from across the province to the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) for the Provincial Volunteer Awards in September.
Announced at the community centre on April 12, the 50th annual volunteer appreciation ceremony will take place in Truro on Sept. 18.
Dave Ritcey, MLA for Truro-bible Hill-millbrooksalmon River, shared the news on behalf of Premier Tim Houston and Allan Macmaster, the minister responsible for the volunteer sector.
“This year is particularly special as we mark half a century of recognizing the contributions of volunteers who have committed their time and energy to making our province a better place to live,” said Ritcey during the announcement. “The Rath Eastlink Community Centre is a community of activity and gathering hub, and it’s the perfect backdrop for this milestone event.”
CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE
Local volunteer Farida Gabani, who was the second chair of the RECC board, spoke highly of the event.
“Communities become vibrant and strong by the collective actions of volunteers, who share the joy of sharing their time, talent and joy of volunteering,” said Gabani. “Volunteers learn from and gather experiences in areas that they never thought would be realized by them. By doing this, they so create positive change.”
Matt Moore, general manager of the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society, voiced his excitement about hosting the awards ceremony.
“Words really can’t describe how excited we are to have this opportunity and privilege to host the 50th annual Provincial Volunteers here at the RECC,” said Moore. “It’s not just an event. It’s a celebration of 50 years of community spirit.”
The event will feature wellknown actor and local Johnathan Torrens as an emcee, followed by a performance by musician Heather Rankin. Moore said other performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
NOMINATIONS
Residents across the province may nominate people for three awards: the Youth Volunteer Award, given to a volunteer between the ages of 13 and 24; the Family Volunteer Award, given to a family of two or more people contributing to the same community; and the Nova Scotia Strong Award, which recognizes the strength of Nova Scotians during times of struggle.
Municipalities will also select one or more representative volunteers to receive the provincial award. There are also specialty awards that will be given out.
For more information or to nominate someone you know, visit https://novascotia.ca/ Nonprofitsector/provincial Volunteerawards/. Nominations close on May 23.