Schwerin (dpa / mv) - 43 people from the state have been awarded the Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian Badge of Honor for their voluntary commitment. The occasion is International Volunteer Day, which is celebrated on Monday.

Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) praised her achievements according to a press release on Saturday: "Volunteers preserve our traditions, help society selflessly in everyday life or hold hands in difficult times." According to the State Chancellery, around 600,000 people in MV are volunteers.