Prior to the establishment of the medal volunteerism could be recognized by the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, but this is only one of the fields for which the Order is presented.

The medal was established to remedy inadequate recognition of volunteerism by the provincial government.

[2] The medal is circular, made of silver, suspended from a V-shaped clasp.

The obverse depicts the shield of the Coat of arms of Saskatchewan surmounted by St Edward's Crown.

Inscribed above the shield is the motto "Nos ipsos dedimus" (We Gave of Ourselves), and below is "Saskatchewan".