By Sheldon Spackman

This week is National Volunteer Week across Canada and Central Albertans are joining millions throughout the country in celebrating volunteers and what they contribute to our communities.

Provincial officials say more than 70 per cent of Albertans volunteered with organizations in their community in 2015-16, contributing an average of 11 hours each month to support initiatives and programs that matter to them.

Volunteers support the work of Alberta’s non-profit sector. Based on the most recent statistics, the sector generates an estimated $9.6 billion in annual economic activity and employs more than 176,000 Albertans.

Several communities throughout the province including many in Central Alberta, are marking National Volunteer Week from April 23rd – 29th with special events and activities. In Red Deer, Volunteer Central which works with over 105 local non-profits and charities, invited its partner organizations and their volunteers to join the Board and staff at a pancake breakfast at the Scott Block Theatre downtown. The event featured keynote speakers Roy and Christina Sturgeon of Flying Cross Ranch, just north of Lacombe. The Sturgeon’s use their herd of horses to help kids in anti-bullying, women’s empowerment and other equine-assisted programs.

Find out where other Volunteer Celebrations are taking place throughout Central Alberta!