TORONTO – The Ontario Heritage Foundation, through the Young Heritage Leaders 2004 program, is seeking nominations of youth under 18 who have made valuable contributions to local heritage preservation in their communities. The deadline for nominations is December 17, 2004.

Through the Young Heritage Leaders program, municipal councils, regional councils, First Nation councils, Métis community councils and schools can acknowledge local youth for significant voluntary contributions to cultural, natural or built heritage preservation. This is the first year that school principals are being asked to propose and endorse nominations.

The councils and schools work in conjunction with local education, youth and heritage groups to determine candidates for recognition. The Foundation encourages these groups to contact their local council or school with proposed nominations. Examples of voluntary activities eligible for recognition include:

• fundraising or research efforts to support the restoration of a heritage building
• volunteer service at a museum, historical site, conservation area or parkland
• developing exhibits, websites or publications about local history
• participating in historical re-enactments
• volunteer participation in activities or events that protect, preserve or promote First Nations, Métis or Franco-Ontarian heritage

This important recognition program is made possible through the generous support of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. 

"Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life are proud to support the Ontario Heritage Foundation's Young Heritage Leaders program," says Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs, for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. "It is through recognition programs such as this that young people are encouraged to make commitments to the life of their communities."

Since the program was introduced in 2000, over 2,000 young people have been honoured for their local heritage preservation activities. Nominations must be submitted by a local council or school and endorsed by the Chair, Mayor, Reeve, Warden, Chief, council President or Principal. (Program guidelines)

The Ontario Heritage Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for all of us to enjoy now and for others to experience in the future.

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Contact:

Lori Theoret, Media Relations and Marketing Coordinator
Telephone: 416-325-5074
E-mail: lori.theoret@heritagefdn.on.ca