April 21, 2004
Volunteerism in Burnaby
MLA Statement

R. Lee: Yesterday my colleague from Burnaby-Edmonds made an excellent introduction of the Burnaby Festival of Volunteers to the House. Today I would like to provide more information about the festival.         

Over 40 non-profit organizations will participate in this festival, including Volunteer Burnaby, Volunteer Grandparents, Race Event Volunteers of Vancouver, Burnaby Meals on Wheels, Burnaby information and Community Services Society, Burnaby Family Life Institute, Adoptive Families Association of B.C., Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, Elizabeth Fry Society, Sunshine Dreams for Kids, Girl Guides of Canada, Burnaby hospital auxiliary, Burnaby Coalition to Prevent Falls, Canadian Blood Services, Canadian Red Cross RespectED, Down Syndrome Research Foundation, Neil Squire Foundation, Western Society for Children with Birth Disorders, Seniors Well Aware program, Airspace Action on Smoking and Health, YouthCo AIDS Society, Burnaby Optimist Club, Burnaby North Lions Club, Royal Air Cadets, Scouts Canada, SUCCESS, the Science Culture Centre of greater Vancouver, Burnaby Chinese Parents Association, South Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Community of Artists Helping Artists Cooperative, Burnaby Mountain Mantas Swim Club, Greater Vancouver Table Tennis Association, Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, and the B.C. Special Olympic Society.       

All these organizations depends on the generosity of volunteers to continue their extraordinary work in our community. The Light Up Your Life Burnaby festival volunteers will give the public a first-hand look at the vast array of services available close to home, and it will allow these organizations the opportunity to attract and recruit new volunteers.           

My colleagues in Burnaby and I are extremely delighted to be part of the organizing committee to bring together the first Burnaby Festival of Volunteers. I must also acknowledge the contribution of the member for New Westminster whose experience in starting a similar volunteer fair last year in her constituency is invaluable to us.          

I encourage everyone come to the Burnaby Brentwood Town Centre this Saturday I encourage everyone to enjoy the exciting and colourful entertainment as well as to promote volunteerism at the conclusion of the National Volunteer Week.