Statement by Olivia Chow, MP for Trinity-Spadina, on International Volunteer Day, December 5, 2012

Every day all across our country, countless individuals donate their time and energy to build better communities, to build a better Canada.

Volunteers are the backbone of charities, advocacy groups, community organizing efforts, educational and health facilities and many more organizations that together form the fabric of care and engagement that make Canada so special.

They provide after-school tutoring; staff shelters for people without homes; deliver hot meals to housebound Canadians; complement hospital care teams; and provide moments of relief for caregivers.

On behalf of my New Democrat colleagues and the numerous organisations across this country that are powered by your dedication, I say a simple but heartfelt thank you.