OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 12/05/12 -- In recognition of International Volunteer Day, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, applauded the millions of Canadians who volunteer.

"I thank all volunteers for their exceptional work in supporting communities, learning and innovation, which strengthens Canada in many ways," said Minister Finley. "Volunteers play an enormously important role in our collective responsibility to foster a more caring Canada where everyone works together to support communities."

The value of Canadian volunteers' time is estimated to be around $14 billion annually, with close to 12.5 million Canadians volunteering their time to charitable and not-for-profit organizations. Services provided by volunteers are many and varied, ranging from fundraising to coaching children's sports teams to providing support to not-for-profit organizations.

The Government is also pleased to work with organizations such as Volunteer Canada in its efforts to encourage volunteerism. Volunteer Canada received federal funding recently to enhance its website, www.volunteer.ca, in order to better connect organizations with volunteers who could fill positions or contribute their skills and experience.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

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