Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
40TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER MANITOBA AWARDS
Club Regent Event Centre
Thursday, April 18, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
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Friends, Manitobans, volunteers – it’s a pleasure to join you tonight to recognize those who make a great commitment to our province and its people.
As we gather to salute men and women who express their community spirit through volunteer work, I acknowledge that this community is in heart of Treaty One territory and the heartland of the Red River Metis.
Across our province, in the ancestral and present-day home of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuit and Metis peoples, volunteers work to enhance health, education, and opportunities for all.
Tonight is a special celebration for all who believe in the importance of volunteering in our province.
The 40th anniversary of the Volunteer Awards is a great milestone for Volunteer Manitoba. And it’s a symbol of the ever-renewing resource of caring, dedication, creativity and expertise of Manitoba’s volunteers.
Over 40 years, these awards have seen the baton passed from generation to generation, as new waves of Manitobans have taken on vital volunteer jobs.
It’s also a special occasion because finally we’re back together, meeting face to face to cheer on recipients of these awards. I look forward to seeing and hearing many expressions of enthusiasm and pride tonight as fellow Manitobans take their well-deserved bows.
Tonight, as the poster says, we’re going to be “Celebrating the Superheroes of the Community.”
Volunteers certainly are super. And they are indeed community heroes. It is my absolute pleasure to join you in recognizing all of the worthy recipients here this evening and to present the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Leadership Award.
Every award recipient here this evening has had many different experiences in volunteering, but you all have a lot in common. You have demonstrated leadership in giving your precious time and energy to support your community. You have shown that whatever your skills and experience, there is a job you can do to help your fellow Manitobans. Everyone can contribute to make the world just that much better.
To all of the volunteers honoured tonight, to all of those nominated, this evening’s sponsors, and to Ashley and her wonderful team at Volunteer Manitoba, thank you again for your contributions. You are truly making a difference in our community and in the lives of those around you. Keep up the great work!
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
