ARTHUR – Wellington North will host its annual spring Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome event on May 1 from 4:30 to 7pm at the Arthur and Area Community Centre (at 158 Domville St.).
Councillor Sherry Burke called the event “a great opportunity to showcase our community to the newcomers and also to say thank you to the volunteers that help support so many initiatives in our community. It’s always a great event.”
“If you have recently moved to the area this is an opportunity to learn more about your community, ask questions and receive a welcome bag full of useful information and goodies,” states a press release about the event.
“You can also grab a recycling bin if you have not already done so.”
“Volunteers are the heart of Wellington North,” stated Mayor Andy Lennox in the release.
“And we look forward to recognizing and celebrating volunteerism in our community, and also welcoming our newcomers and showing them that Wellington North is a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
The township has hosted both spring and fall celebrations for volunteers and newcomers since 2019.
In 2024 attendance for each of these events surpassed 225, according to township officials.
The events include information tables set up by community service and volunteer organizations.
All community and volunteer organizations are invited to set up information tables.
However, there will be “a reduced number of community spots for vendors” this year, said recreation, community and economic development manager Mandy Jones, “just to ensure that we have enough room for tables for people to attend.”
She said the event will be advertised on social media, on the radio and in newspapers, and that staff will contact chambers and BIAs with details.
The spring celebration falls during National Volunteer Week, and the fall celebration, held in Mount Forest, happens during Newcomer Week.
This year, National Volunteer Week is April 27 to May 3.
“During this week, the township of Wellington North celebrates the contributions of volunteers: their actions, their understanding, and their genuine concern for the world around them,” states a report about the spring event presented to council on March 10.
“Locally, volunteers include individuals of all ages and backgrounds, such as young people, families, workers and retirees,” the report continues.
“The collective efforts of our community’s volunteers make the Township of Wellington North a more desirable place to live, work and raise a family.”
During the meeting, council approved a mayor’s proclamation that April 27 to May 3, 2025 is National Volunteer Week, in an effort to “urge everyone to recognize the crucial role played by volunteers in the community.”
The proclamation states: “24 million Canadians give their time through formal or informal types of volunteering, contributing close to five billion volunteer hours per year.”
The proclamation notes Wellington North volunteers:
- mentor children, support those feeling isolated, beautify green spaces and fundraise for our charitable organizations;
- continually step up to support families, friends, neighbours and strangers, and for people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society; and
- are individuals, families, workers, retirees and community members of all ages and backgrounds.
It lists organizations in the township that rely on volunteers, including the Louise Marshall Hospital, Cancer Patient Services, Mount Forest Community Pantry, Arthur Food Bank, Lynes Blacksmith Shop, Mount Forest Fireworks Festival, Arthur Agricultural Society, Arthur Optimist Club, historical societies, horticultural societies, Lions clubs and local sports organizations.
“Traditionally, the township recognizes its Senior of the Year award recipient at the spring event, along with the Ontario Volunteer Service Award recipients,” and this will be the case again this year, the report states.
Those awards were approved by council last fall.
“Welcome, speeches and presentations will start at 5pm, followed by a cake cutting and a catered meal,” the report states.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required and can be completed at wnvolunteernewcomerevent2025.eventbrite.com until April 17.
Participants can also register by contacting Mike Wilson at mwilson@wellington-north.com or 519-848-3620 ext. 4236.
