National News Releases

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, April 18, 2005 - The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will be celebrating National Volunteer Week from April 17 to 23, 2005. Highlights of the week include the launch of the CSC volunteer Web site Portal and the presentation of the 2004 Taylor Award.

"CSC is fortunate to have thousands of individuals who volunteer to help bridge the gap between the institution and the community," said CSC Commissioner Lucie McClung. "I would like to thank all the volunteers who are committed to the safe reintegration of offenders and to building safe communities for all Canadians."

The Service is also proud to acknowledge the dedication of the many CSC staff who volunteer their time in the community, both in support of CSC's correctional mission, as well as in contribution to other important activities that enrich our communities and improve the quality of life for all of us.

"Working with offenders is challenging and rewarding," stated Dawn Wiltsie, Co-Chair, National Volunteer Association. "The possibility of effecting change in just one individual is the greatest compensation volunteers can receive".

"Volunteers across Canada give of their time and expertise to assist offenders with their personal development," said SeanTaylor, National Chair, Citizens' Advisory Committees. "They facilitate between the offender and the community to bridge the gap of understanding and acceptance."

Volunteer participation in CSC makes a significant difference in the lives of Canadians, CSC staff and offenders. Community support is essential to the safe reintegration of offenders, since most are serving fixed sentences and will eventually return to their communities. Volunteers help released offenders re-adjust to life in the community by acting as role models and providing contact with the community.

The CSC Volunteer Web site Portal is available at http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/portals/volunteers/index_e.shtml. The portal will showcase volunteerism stories, events, awards and the work of thousands of individuals who give their time to a wide variety of correctional programs and projects that directly support public safety.

National Volunteer Week is being celebrated across the country, by governments, communities and most importantly by Canadians helped by volunteerism. For information on volunteerism or to receive the Volunteer Handbook please contact the Correctional Service of Canada's Communications and Citizen Engagement Sector at (613) 996-5005.

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For more information contact:
Marc Périard
Media Relations
(613) 947-3372
http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca