The BoomerPlus Volunteer Awards are calling for nominations by March 22, 2013.

Volunteer Prince George, along with CFIS Community Radio and Integris Credit Union, would like to acknowledge all the incredible volunteers in the community who are 50 and older with a celebration in mid-April.

"I think there is so much work done by volunteers as a whole, especially at non-profits and the older volunteers give so much time," said Jo Nore, program manager at Volunteer P.G. for the last decade. "I think without volunteer help the organizations would struggle. Volunteers are so vital."

The boomer generation is going to blossom very soon and that is good news for agencies that are able to accommodate them, Nore added.

"Volunteers have changed," said Nore. "People are retiring younger, going to a second job, but they still do a huge amount of work and we want to make sure they know they are appreciated."

There are a dozen award categories volunteers may be nominated in, including Literacy & Arts, Social Change, Community Support, Health & Wellness, Green Award, Youth Impact, Culturally Welcoming, Special Needs, Technology, Long Service, Heritage and Recreation & Sport Award.

“We have 125 agencies which are members of Volunteer Prince George and I know that most of them have some boomers on their volunteer list," said Jo Nore. "These experienced and skilled volunteers have much to offer but require flexibility and collaboration on the part of the organization. Many of these volunteers like to spend a few months volunteering and then a few months vacationing. On the other hand, some are still sandwiched between caring for their children and aged parents. We have to be ready for them and work with them as part of a team. It’s a win-win situation.”

According to Statistics Canada 2006-07, the 50-plus age group is the fastest growing population segment and is the most affluent consumer group that exists. Older adults own more than 80 per cent of all money in savings accounts and equity in residential real estate. A baby boomer will turn 55 every seven seconds for the next 20 years and by 2020 there will be more people over 65 years of age than under age 15. So the volunteer force will stay strong.

"We just need to say thank you - it's important," said Nore.

For a nomination form contact Volunteer Prince George, email voluntee...@telus.net, call 250-564-0224 or visit www.volunteerpg.com.