Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) is bringing back its volunteer recruitment fair and has partnered with the Town of Amherstburg to present it.
This year’s volunteer recruitment fair is April 3 from 5-7 p.m. in the Amherstburg Community Services’ community room, located within the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St. As of press time, there are 11 local and regional organizations seeking volunteers who will be on hand.
ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo said it is an opportunity for the public to come in, chat with representatives from the various groups and see what opportunities are out there. She added partnering with the town has allowed them to add additional elements including two guest speakers, crafts for children and refreshments.
The town’s manager of recreation services Trese MacNeil said the town is able to partner with ACS thanks to a Seniors Community Grant from the Ontario government. They have already been meeting with seniors asking them what they would like to see, said MacNeil, and volunteer opportunities was one of the topics raised. She added the children’s activities will be near the entrance to the hub and are working to provide the food for the evening.
At 6 p.m., guest speakers Jessica Doyle and Staci Lawton will address the topic of “The Benefits of Volunteering for Your Mental Health.” Doyle is a registered social worker and child and youth practitioner, and has dedicated her career to supporting and advocating for the well-being of children and young people. Her biography states she has experience assessing children/youth needs, providing counseling andtherapy, coordinating services with other professionals and agencies, and advocatingfor their rights and access to resources.”Lawton is a dedicated social worker (MSW, RSW) “who has a passion for helping others and who is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the individuals that she works with. She brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of developmental services, children’s mental health, and service navigation.”
Organizations committed to take part are ACS, the town’s recreation and tourism department, the Bryerswood Youth Camp, Marsh Historical Collection, the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, the Canadian Aviation Museum, Essex Branch Ontario Ancestors, the Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society, the Canadian Transportation Museum, the Gibson Gallery and Community Living Essex County (CLEC).
Kate Chant, who is supported by CLEC, will be the door greeter that evening along with Imeh, a student from St. Clair College currently interning at ACS.
“We receive a lot of calls from people in the community looking for volunteer opportunities,” said DiBartolomeo.
DiBartolomeo added there are those new to the community or those who are now in a position to give back but unsure exactly what is out there. She said it’s “one-stop shopping to see what best suits them.”
MacNeil added many groups need volunteers and this is a good opportunity to raise awareness for local organizations.
“There’s such a diverse range of opportunities,” said DiBartolomeo.
DiBartolomeo added last year’s volunteer recruitment fair led to her volunteering after work, as she now helps at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 Friday nights. She said she enjoys working in the kitchen and following her passion.
“I just love it,” she said.
MacNeil added the town is always grateful to partner with organizations like ACS. She said everyone benefits because non-profits in the community are being helped.
For more information, visit www.amherstburg.ca/recreation or call ACS at 519-736-5471.
ACS, town combining on the return of volunteer recruitment fair
By Ron Giofu
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