Northwestel nets national volunteer award nomination

Northwestel volunteers in Iqaluit hold up a sign showing their support as volunteers from the city’s Alianait arts festival. (HANDOUT PHOTO)

Northwestel has been nominated for a national award for volunteer work in the North, the company announced in a May 7 news release.

The Arctic Winter Games and Sport North nominated the company for a Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award as the top Business Leader award in the British Columbia and the North region.

There are 17 awards in total, including two at the national level and 15 at the regional level.

As part of the recognition, regional award winners will be eligible to identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a $5,000 grant.

“Northwestel and its 600 employees recognize the importance of volunteer work,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel president and chief executive officer, in the news release.

“We have always said that it is a priority for us to give back in the communities where we live, work and play,” he said.

The annual volunteer awards were created in 2011 to recognize exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and not-for-profit organizations that improve the well-being of Canadians.

The goal is to inspire Canadians from all walks of life to find new ways of making a difference in their communities.

Last year’s Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award recipients were honoured by PM Stephen Harper at a ceremony in Ottawa.