PLASP will be hosting its 31^st Annual Volunteer and Student on Placement Recognition Event at the Mississauga Convention Centre on Thursday, April 25, 2013. More than 1,300 guests are expected to attend the event to share in celebrating the contributions made every day by PLASP volunteers and students on placement.

In correlation to the launch of PLASP’s new website and other recent technological advancements at PLASP, the theme for the evening is “Technology”. The keynote speaker is Marc Saltzman, a tech reporter, author, consultant, radio/TV personality and host of Gear Guide at Cineplex movie theatres. Marc will be sharing practical tips on how to use technology to get ahead in school and work and what to expect in the not so distant future.

The event will showcase leading edge technology such as the newest smart phones, smart pens, tablets and 3D printers which will be displayed alongside samples of older technology.

Just like technology, PLASP has come a long way. We have many volunteers at PLASP who, as a child, participated in one of our child care programs. Perhaps being exposed to the volunteers in their program helped set a precedence that for many, is a lesson learned and not forgotten.

“The high point of my involvement as a PLASP volunteer is seeing how much the children want to see me every week, and how the roles have changed since I was a child in the PLASP program,” said a former PLASP child and now volunteer.

PLASP’s 31st Annual Volunteer and Student on Placement Recognition Event is taking place during Volunteer Canada’s National Volunteer Week. The theme for the campaign is “Volunteers Cast a Beautiful Shadow” and will run from April 21 to April 27, 2013.

Volunteer Canada states the following: “Volunteers strengthen our communities and make our country vibrant. Today, volunteers are involved in more ways than ever before. They complete tasks from smartphones while waiting at the bus stop. They sign and share petitions. They govern organizations as board members. They lead rescue efforts when disasters strike. Every day, Canadians lend a hand to their neighbours and friends. And many of them don’t realize that in doing so they’re volunteering.”

This year, at PLASP Child Care Services alone, more than 1,200 volunteers and students on placement have contributed more than 50,000 hours to support PLASP programs which operate in Peel and Toronto. Are you a PLASP volunteer with a story to tell? Or has a PLASP volunteer made a positive difference in either your life or the life of your child? If you have a story to share, we’d like to hear it – especially this week, when we’re celebrating volunteers both at PLASP and across Canada!