Volunteers' cheer: The Chief Executive's wife Selina Tsang joins scouts at the Volunteer Award Presentation Ceremony.

Hong Kong's volunteers have been praised for their selfless dedication to volunteer work and contributions to society.

The Chief Executive's wife Selina Tsang officiated for the first time in her capacity as Volunteer-in-Chief at the Volunteer Award Presentation Ceremony 2005 today.

She paid tribute to volunteers and hoped the whole community will continue to work together to promote volunteering.

"From 1998 until now, more than 520,000 registered volunteers and 1,426 registered organisations have committed to volunteering. In 2004, volunteers devoted more than 12 million hours of service to the community," Mrs Tsang said.

Outstanding volunteers commended 

Director of Social Welfare Paul Tang said volunteer service forms a platform on which different sectors in the society can work together with the same goal of helping people in need.

Awards were presented today to commend the outstanding contribution of 100 volunteers who have served the community for over 20 years as well as individual volunteers and volunteer organisations awarded the Highest Number of Service Hours Award.