The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

1986 - 2006 ' This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. This award is a way for the government to recognize volunteers from across the province for their continuous years of commitment and dedicated service to a group. PURPOSE Through their numbers and their activities, volunteers play a very important role in the quality of Ontario life. The strength of Ontario depends on the strength of our communities. Volunteers help in building diverse, vibrant communities that are safe, caring and are socially, culturally and economically strong places in which to live. By submitting a nomination. organizations can help ensure that volunteers in Ontario receive the recognition they deserve. RECOGNIZING CONTINUOUS SERVICE The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are a way for the government to recognize volunteers for their undeniable contributions. The awards are also a way to thank volunteers for their continuous years of commitment and dedicated service to a group" (see note below). Youth volunteers (under the age of 24) are recognized for two or more years of continuous service. Adults are recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30+. 40+ and 50+ years of continuous service. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are presented to volunteers who contribute consecutive years of service to a single group within Ontario, and whose work is characterized by the following: 0 Volunteer time given on an ongoing and active basis to the same group for which no payment has been received - Membership alone is not a qualification for recognition - Services performed during the normal course of professional or business duties are not eligible for recognition. Groups that have been in existence for a minimum of five years may complete a nomination. Each group may nominate up to six volunteers. Groups that have more than one branch may submit nominations for up to six volunteers for each branch. Each branch should provide a local contact who will be invited to the recognition ceremony for the nominated volunteers. Nominators must attest to the accuracy of the information provided for each volunteer by signing a certification clause on the nomination form for this program. *For the purposes of this program “group"is defined as: community, not-forepmflt and non-profit organizations/associations; (toâ€"operatives; boards; commissions; businesses; Ontario HOW ARETHE RECIPIENTS SELECTED? " The ministry relies on the judgement of the head of a nominating group (Chair, President etc.) to ensure the information provided is true and the nominees are deserving of recognition in keeping with the requirements of the award. Nominations are reviewed and acknowledged by letter. HOWARETHE AWARDS PRESENTED? Recipients are presented with stylized trillium pins and personalized certificates at special ceremonies held across the province. Pins and certificates each correspond to the length of service being recognized. Recipients receive an invitation to attend the ceremony with one guest. Each organization making a nomination is also invited to have two representatives attend the ceremony. WHEN ISTHE DEADLINE? Completed nomination forms will be accepted no later than February 10, 2006. FOR MORE INFORMATION... Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration 400 University Avenue Ground Floor, South Lobby Toronto ON M7A 2R9 Tel: (416) 314-7526 Fax: (416) 314-7743 E-mail: ontariohonoursandawards @mci.gov.on.ca Web site: www.citizenshipgovonca Or contact the nearest regional field office listed below. [0 government ministries that directly recruit volunteers;arts/educatioreal/correctional institutions and schools; municipalities; long»term care bomes;bospilals. OTHER FORMS OF RECOGNITION The Government of Ontario offers other programs that recognize volunteers for contributions beyond years of continuous service. Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism in Ontario are presented to up to 20 individuals, groups and businesses that have made exceptional contributions to their communities and the province through voluntary action. The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers recognizes the outstanding achievements of up to 10 young volunteers between the ages of 15 and 24 who have made a difference to their communities.