CENTRE WELLINGTON – Several local event organizers and the Township of Centre Wellington have got together to organize a volunteer recruitment event at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
The event takes place on April 20 from 6 to 9pm.
There are some 14 different events and festivals in Fergus and Elora over the summer and fall and each has a need for volunteers.
The organizations got together, discussed their common problem with recruiting volunteers, and decided to hold a recruitment event so people can see what’s available, what’s needed, and where there is a good fit for them.
“The problem with volunteers has always been there,” said Debb Greer, one of the organizers.
“There are only so many people to go around. And as there are more and more events in town, it’s harder to find volunteers.”
Each of the events will have a table and information about their specific needs.
Visitors can go through the room, see what’s available, check event dates against their availability, and sign up.
“We know people are interested in volunteering. This event means people can go to one place and discover what they want to do. It’s a one-stop shop,” Greer said.
Greer noted high school students need 40 hours of volunteer service to graduate. This is the perfect place for students to discover the many places they could volunteer.
“Students can gain transferable job skills they can put on a resume,” Greer added. “It’s also an opportunity to build and expand their networks.”
Greer said seniors might also be interested in the recruiting event.
“A lot of seniors miss socializing when they retire. Volunteering provides that social network,” she said.
“Seniors often have a wealth of knowledge and skills. Through volunteering they can share that with others and pass it along.”
Families often enjoy volunteering together at these events as well, Greer added.
They can work their shift and often get free admission to enjoy the event in their off-hours.
Participating festivals and organizations include:
- the Elora Singers;
- Fergus Medieval Faire;
- the Enchanted Forest of Fergus;
- Fergus Fall Fair;
- Fergus Scottish Festival;
- Twilight at Templin;
- Elora-Fergus Arts Council;
- Riverfest Elora;
- Steam Punk Festival;
- Fergus Fibre Festival;
- Sensational Elora;
- Trade Tracks;
- Fergus Grand Theatre; and
- Township of Centre Wellington.
Volunteer roles could include administrative duties, selling tickets, counting heads, set-up and take-down, delivering water to other volunteers and more.
As added incentive, each of the participating festivals is donating a prize that will be raffled off.
“We think it will be an awesome event and we’re hoping for a good turnout,” Greer said.
