Prince George, B.C. – Today is International Volunteer Day and to mark the occasion Volunteer Prince George is asking the community of Prince George to give back – 150 hours to be exact.

Volunteer Prince George is joining similar organizations across the country in the launch of the Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge – a nation-wide campaign to encourage Canadians to volunteer 150 hours of their time in 2017 in celebration of Canada’s 150^th Anniversary.

“Volunteering offers vital assistance to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, transforming both the lives of the people who volunteer and those who benefit,” says Volunteer Prince George GM Sarah Foot.

“Canadians volunteer an average of 154 hours per year – 59 per cent of the population have volunteered at some point in their lives. The Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge will build on these numbers, engaging tens of thousands in making a difference in the lives of Canadians.”

She adds the focus of the campaign will be on new Canadians, Aboriginals, seniors and youth and will culminate with a ceremony in Ottawa to recognize those individuals who contributed the most hours in each province, territory and city.

To participate volunteers will be asked to register on the campaign’s website online to create their volunteer profile.

The platform will be available later this month through Volunteer Prince George’s website. You can access that site by clicking here.