Media Advisory
Conference on Volunteerism Set for This Weekend
(Wednesday, November 28/2001)-- HRM Parks and Recreation services is hosting a conference for volunteers this weekend in Dartmouth to share their success stories, learn new skills and network with leaders from other communities.
Entitled"A Bounty of Talents: Volunteers in Community," the conference begins Friday evening at the Harborview Holiday Inn.
Mayor Peter Kelly said the year 2001 marks the International Year of the Volunteer, so the conference this weekend is a perfect opportunity for those who volunteer in the community to celebrate together.
Mayor Kelly said "The many volunteers who selflessly serve us put a special stamp on our community. Our reputation as a wonderful community in which to live, is in large measure built upon a history of energetic volunteerism."
Keynote speaker Friday evening will be Frank Palermo, of the School of Architecture, Dalhousie University, who will talk about the quality of life in HRM. Spokespersons from several community groups will share their success stories. There will also be entertainment, a trade show, refreshments and a moonlight stroll across the MacDonald bridge.
A series of educational sessions from "Put the "Fun" Back in Fund-Raising" to "Writing and Accessing Grants & Foundations" will be held on Saturday. Keynote speaker at the luncheon will be Judith Hockney, Program Director, Women's Health, IWK Health Center.
The conference concludes with a plenary session, entitled "How can HRM better support its volunteers?", moderated by Councillor Sheila Fougere. Panelists will include Deputy Mayor Bob Harvey; Ron Colman, GPI Atlantic; Karen MacTavish, Director, Parks & Recreation Services; Sylvia Anthony, HRM Representative Volunteer 2001; Dawn Stegen, Executive Director, Recreation Nova Scotia;; and Walter Regan, Volunteer with Sackville Rivers Association.
One of the outcomes of the plenary will be a resolution to HRM Council around volunteerism.
Sponsors of the event include HRM Parks & Recreation Services, Nova Scotia Sport & Recreation Commission and HRM Regional Trails.
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Norma MacLean
Co-chair
(902) 869-4204.
Marilyn Smith
Co-chair
(902) 490-5451
