Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 30/01) - Roslyn Smith predicts that MACA's NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards program is about to grow.

Northwest Territories Power Corp. has agreed to become sole corporate sponsor of the program, beginning next year.

"It's a great opportunity to have that exposure," said Smith, senior advisor for volunteer development, community development division in MACA.

NTPC will send out information on the program with its bills.

"It's the smaller communities that will really get the benefits there," Smith said.

"As the power bills go out and people receive the information, it's great to raise the awareness of volunteers and the importance they play."

The NWT Volunteer Awards are presented at both regional and territorial levels. Recipients will be announced during National Volunteer Week in April, 2002. Nomination forms will be available in December, with nominations closing Feb. 28.

Smith explained that in past years forms were mailed out to every community office, and that for the 2001 awards, she did extensive mailings to community organizations.

Smith said there were about 100 nominations for the 2001 awards, a lot more than ever before, and that she hopes this number can be increased. She pointed out that this is the International Year of the Volunteer.

"The momentum is starting to build," Smith said.

For his part, NTPC public relations officer Peter Watt said this will allow for the Power Corp. to be a proactive sponsor.

"We are very supportive of voluntarism," Watt said.

"In fact, a large number of our own staff are volunteers. As an organization we encourage that."