Things got a little bit technical for the more than 1,300 guests who attended PLASP’s 31st Annual Volunteer and Student on Placement Recognition Event at the Mississauga Convention Centre on Thursday, April 25, 2013. The keynote address was provided by Marc Saltzman, TV personality and host of Cineplex Odeon’s Gear Guide. Marc brought along a number of sophisticated gadgets that impressed the discerning PLASP volunteers and students on placement – in particular our large group of youth volunteers - early adopters who own and master the newest and latest gadgets before anyone else.

Upon arrival and prior to the recognition presentations, guests were treated to an interactive tech hour with Marc and a number of other technology experts who were there to showcase and demonstrate the advancement in technology being made today. Talking cars, flying cameras, a 3D printer and the latest, smartest phones and tablets awed those in attendance. Later in the evening, during his keynote address, Marc offered up practical tips on how to use technology to get ahead in school and work and what to expect in the not so distant future.

During the awards portion of the evening, PLASP recognized the contributions of the PLASP Board of Directors and Committee Members, and more than 1,000 volunteers and 200 students on placement.  All volunteers and students on placement received a certificate, pin and letter recognizing the hours they have contributed. Evan Maltby received special recognition for his 5 years of volunteer services to PLASP and gave a touching speech about what it was like for him to be a PLASP child in the program and to then become a PLASP volunteer as he became older. Evan inspired everyone in attendance when he proclaimed, “I’m addicted to PLASP, and giving.&rdquo

The following guests brought warm and meaningful greetings and welcomed guests: Acting Mayor Doug Beffort from the Town of Caledon; Mayer Ghalayini, Associate Dean of Early Childhood Education Programs at the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies at Sheridan College of Advanced Technology; Shirley-Ann Teal, Coordinating Superintendent, Peel District School Board; and Nancy  Tallevi, Facility and Accountability Officer, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Many great prizes, donated by PLASP suppliers and friends, added to the excitement. Throughout the evening, guests in attendance won exciting grand prizes such as an iPad mini, a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, a Google Nexus Tablet and a LiveScribe Sky smartpen as well as movie passes, gift cards and lots more.