ELORA – With Centre Wellington’s population expected to double by 2051, the township has adopted a new program, Community Connect.
The program addresses several needs in the community that need immediate attention.
Centre Wellington’s manager of community development Kristen Bettiol said, “There were a few things happening in the community that were pointing in the direction of a desperate need to celebrate the volunteers we have and share the need for more to the community.”
The need was amplified when CW Rotary announced they would be closing their doors.
“Another indication was shown through our Community Impact Grant Applications. Many that applied for the grant, highlighted the need for volunteer recruitment, as they could not run their programs and events without the use of volunteers,” Bettiol said.
Service Clubs that have been vital to our community have been sending out a warning that services and supports to the community will need to be pulled back because of a lack of volunteers.
Bettiol said the program has four functions that “focus on connecting Centre Wellington residents to the services, businesses, and opportunities to get involved, be active, and feel engaged.”
The initiative began this month with the township’s Facebook page highlighting volunteers “at different ages and stages,” Bettiol said.
“Some have volunteer roles that are almost equivalent to a full-time job while others can only offer a few hours a year,” she explained.
Volunteer profiles are being showcased weekly on the township’s Facebook page, and once a month the Wellington Advertiser will dive deeper into individual volunteer stories.
Bettiol also said the township will work with local not-for-profits, offering monthly open houses that will give residents the opportunity to learn more about organizations that are looking for volunteers, and to ask questions of those who currently volunteer.
“The benefit of connecting with others who are passionate about the cause will lead to more volunteerism and engagement,” Bettiol said.
This September, the township plans to host a new resident welcome reception “in collaboration with the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the County of Wellington.”
The evening event will allow new residents an opportunity to understand how things work in Centre Wellington. “From curbside waste removal, to signing their children up for swim lessons, how seniors can get a membership for the Victoria Park Senior Centre and more about the many local businesses waiting to serve them,” Bettiol explained.
“People don’t necessarily know that moving to Fergus, Elora, or Belwood means you officially live in Centre Wellington and that we are lucky enough to have a weekly, free local paper that gets delivered right to your door. In addition, a radio station that promotes all things local,” Bettiol said.
Registration is free, but the township encourages it for preparation purposes.
In addition to the new resident reception, the township will host a Volunteer Fair in October.
Bettiol said there will be “an opportunity for high school students to attend in the afternoon and the public in the evening. People can come and ‘shop’ around for organizations that feel like a fit – with the time, skills and experience they have and the causes they are passionate about.”
The township said there with be more than 40 organizations at the fair and ample opportunity to make connections. “Organizations that depend on volunteers to keep their doors open are eager to meet people who have time to give.”
For more information visit centrewellington.ca/communityconnect.
