Recruiting volunteers was the mission of the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast, beginning Canada’s National Volunteer Week with the first annual Sunshine Coast Volunteer Fair, held at the Senior Activity Centre over the weekend. More than 30 diverse organizations gathered with hopes of recruiting volunteers and re-establishing this weakened demographic due to COVID-19 restrictions over the past two years.
“The fair was a success in many respects,” said Michael McKenzie, coordinator of the event and membership director of the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast. “It was quite an amazing networking event for all of the organizations.” Eight of the organizations offered compelling presentations throughout the weekend, each acknowledging the importance of volunteers in our community.
Of the 30 exhibits, every organization representative expressed, in different ways, how empathy is key for establishing a healthy community dynamic and that volunteering in someone’s specific area of interest enhances quality of life as well. Several of the organizations, such as Elder Dog, Habitat for Humanity and syiyaya Reconciliation Movement reported recruiting new volunteers over the course of the weekend. MP Patrick Weiler, Mayor Darnelda Seigers and SCRD Halfmoon Bay representative Lori Pratt attended on Saturday engaging in many discussions with the exhibitors.
The Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast raised $900 from the 50/50 draw which will go towards the temporary settlement of seven Ukrainian families to the Sunshine Coast via Spirit Dance. For more information or to donate please contact [email protected].
“The Rotary Club is grateful for the sponsorship of the event by Sunshine Coast Credit Union and Starbucks,” said McKenzie, “and for Gill Smith of the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre who was very accommodating.”
Sunshine Coast Community Services held a yard sale that took place in Sherlock Park outside of the Seniors Activity Centre, raising about $1,600 in support of the Building Together project, which is working towards affordable housing for women and children and providing a more accessible community hub to better accommodate community programs.
To find out more information about volunteering for any of the 30 organizations, go to www.rotarysunshinecoast.org.
