Volunteer Week in city

National Volunteer Week has been unanimously declared by Yorkton Council.

"National Volunteer Week pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and energy. This is the 70th year since the establishment of National Volunteer Week. This year it takes place the week of April 15 to 21, 2012. It is Canada's largest celebration of volunteers, volunteerism, and civic participation," said Lisa Washington, Community Development Manager with the City at the meeting Monday.

Washington said volunteer efforts are important to Yorkton, and communities across Canada.

"Volunteering is part of our identity as Canadians - we value civic participation and embrace a spirit of community. The tremendous efforts of our 13.3 million volunteers help make Canada a vibrant, safe place to call home. Across the country, Canadians are getting involved and leading positive change in a variety of ways, all of them vital - from quick bursts of mobile micro-volunteering on smartphones to front-line disaster relief efforts overseas. The work of volunteers is essential to maintaining healthy, vibrant communities at home and around the world. National Volunteer Week is all about taking time to recognize the incredible contributions of Canada's volunteers and letting them know how much their efforts are appreciated.

"Volunteers in Yorkton mentor our children, feed our hungry, comfort our lonely, beautify our green spaces and fundraise for our charitable organizations. Volunteers operate our sport organizations, recreation activities, and cultural events. Yorkton's volunteers are young, old, families, workers, retirees, men and women of all ages and backgrounds. The collective result of the work done by our city's volunteers is that Yorkton is a more desirable place to live, work and play."

National Volunteer Week was first proclaimed in 1943 as an initiative to draw the public's attention to the vital contribution of women to the war effort on the home front. In the late 1960s, the focus was revived and broadened to include all community volunteers.would be transferred out of Recycling reserves and the balance of $123,000 would be funded by a two year internal loan provided by the City.

"Although this purchase depletes the reserve account, repayments expected within two years and replenishment of reserves to occur thereafter," said Buchholzer.

Council unanimously approved that the City of Yorkton fund the purchase of a baler and elevated recycling sorting system of $525,000 requested by Saskatchewan Abilities Recycling Depot, by withdrawing funds from Recycling Reserves and providing an internal loan to a maximum of $123,000 with payments over two years for the equipment purchase.