By Jonathan Charlton
jonathan@peicanada.com

The Home Instead Senior Care network is searching for the most outstanding senior volunteer in each province.
The organization is also promoting the Salute to Senior Service public education program to honour the efforts of those helpful people.
“It’s just to show recognition and respect. Seniors do so much for our communities and it’s right that individuals in the community show they recognize that and say thank you, ” David McMillan said from the network’s Charlottetown office.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care, 47 per cent of seniors volunteer their time through unpaid community service, and they donate an average of 16.5 hours per month.
Nominees must be 65 and older, and volunteer at least 15 hours a month and nominations can be submitted at www.SalutetoSeniorService.com until March 15, 2012. Nomination forms are available online or by going to the Home Instead Senior Care office.
The PEI outstanding volunteer will receive a plaque and $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s non-profit charity of choice.
Mr McMillan said with PEI leading the nation in the rate of volunteering, there’s a good chance the prize could be coming to PEI.
“It’s showing support in your community, getting out there, to see friends and help those in need. And also because we’re a close-knit community and people sometimes know someone who may need assistance this is a way they can provide and help their fellow Islanders.”