The message reads, in part:
“The traditions of volunteering have deep historical roots in our nation. At all times, people of different backgrounds, ages and views have selflessly served their Fatherland and the people, actively participating in education and charity, helping resolve socially important challenges in education, healthcare, culture and the environment.
Today, we can confidently say that the volunteer movement in Russia is growing and is being enriched with new ideas, plans and projects. The extensive, truly unique contribution of volunteers to the successful hosting of the Universiade in Kazan, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, serve as clear, convincing evidence of this.
I stress that we cannot stop here; it is imperative to augment the potential of volunteer organisations, to broaden the range of their work and more actively engage young people. This is particularly relevant ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory, which we will be celebrating this year. I am certain that your active participation in preparing for this anniversary, and in the work of the recently created Russian Volunteer Corps for the 70th Anniversary of Victory, will be in high demand.”