International Volunteer Day 2005
Celebrating Canadian Volunteers' Contribution to Development

Toronto City Hall - The Rotunda
100 Queen St. West
Monday, December 5, 2005
(5:30 pm to 8:00 pm)

TORONTO (November 24, 2005) – The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) and the Toronto-area Make Poverty History Local Action Committee are inviting volunteers and volunteer-based organizations to celebrate volunteer contributions to social and economic development in Toronto and the world. This event is part of a day of events planned across the country. Deputy Mayor Sandra Bussin will be at the event to announce the City's Proclamation of International Volunteer Day 2005.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Volunteer Day in 1985. Celebrated around the world each year on December 5, the day provides an opportunity for volunteer organizations, individual volunteers, and the public to celebrate and promote the contributions of volunteers to economic and social development at local, national and international levels.

Volunteerism in Canada and abroad is an essential component of the fight against poverty. Tens of thousands of Canadians have dedicated their time and energy to fight poverty across the country. The Make Poverty History Campaign in Canada, formed to support the achievement of the UN Millennium Goals, includes the eradication of child poverty in Canada as one of its goals.

Canada also plays an important role in international development, not only in terms of financial and technical assistance but also international volunteering. This special event will celebrate and honour the valuable contributions made by Canadian volunteers who have served both in Canada and overseas to help eradicate poverty, and to encourage more people to offer their valuable time and skills to the effort.

In addition to the proclamation to be read by Deputy Mayor Sandra Bussin, Professor John Kirton, Director, G8 Research Group, University of Toronto, will speak on volunteerism from a global perspective. Volunteers from Toronto Neighborhood Centres and CESO will speak about their work and contributions to Toronto and the world. Opening remarks start at 5:55 pm. This evening event will give volunteers and the general public an opportunity to hear great speakers, meet other volunteers, and enjoy refreshments. For more information, to arrange interviews with local and returned volunteers, Make Poverty History leaders or representatives of volunteer cooperation agencies, contact Patrick Lohier (see below for contact information).

The Toronto-area Make Poverty History Local Action Committee is a joint project of the VCA Coalition, a coalition comprised of a network of volunteer organizations. This event is hosted by CESO, the Canadian Executive Service Organization, a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization founded in 1967.

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Media Contact:
Patrick Lohier
Public Engagement Officer
CESO-SACO
(416) 961-2376, ext. 236
plohier@ceso-saco.com