The Walk-It for Parkinson’s crew run the Port Elgin, Kincardine and area Walk, September 10. From left, Shawn Nagle, Bob Coulthart, Pam Nagle, Norma Kempers and Leah Coulthard-Howe were on hand to sign up walkers, spread awareness and look for volunteers during the inaugural Volunteer Fair at the Plex May 3.

Hub Staff

A night of networking and seeing the good that lies within the Saugeen Shores community was showcased during the inaugural Volunteer Fair May 3 at the Plex in Port Elgin. In all 43 community organizations featured their contribution to Saugeen Shores by way of unpaid hours with sign-up sheets at the ready for a those seeking volunteer opportunities.

Community members in attendance, many in the age group of 45 to 65, came ready to sign up, said Town of Saugeen Shores Marketing and Programs Coordinator Laura Moscone May 3.

Moscone, who spoke with many attendees, said that people are looking for something with which to fill their time, while she still can’t believe how many community groups from Saugeen Shores signed up for the event. “It just shows how many groups that are in our community that really depend on volunteers. So we’re so happy to be able to bring them together for this event and connect them with the public that is interested in volunteering.”

Vanessa Haack was one of two representatives from St. John Ambulance looking for volunteers to fill three forms of duty. From volunteer medical first responders for events such as the Rotary Huron Shore Run, Bruce Power Beach Party and Pumpkinfest; to joining the board of directors or getting involved in the therapy dog program which sees volunteers and their dogs visit facilities such as hospitals, hospices and retirement homes.

“Training is available for volunteers,” said Haack, adding there might be an initial cost to get started but that many of the positions offer experience in a particular field. “If students are looking at going into the health care field, paramedics, fire and nursing, that kind of idea, it’s good to get that hands on experience,” she said.

Volunteer Recruiter for Home & Community Support Services Cindy Zettler was looking to sign-up compassionate people to assist with the Day Away Program for seniors as well as Meals on Wheels drivers and added that drivers are reimbursed for their mileage. She said they were also always on the look-out for musicians to play for attendees in the program, but admitted that anyone in the community is welcome to volunteer. “For Day Program volunteers, it’s really about being a part of the community, any type of skill-set is of interest to us. People that like to chat, people that like to play games, people that just like to help out... it can be one on one with some clients at times throughout the day, but still have big part of the group atmosphere at Day program.”

Many groups highlighted that volunteering is a good way for students or people looking for a new career to get experience in a particular field.

Brandon Aldred (left), Veronica Charbonneau and Rob Fawcett were looking to make new community connections at the inaugural Volunteer Fair at the Plex May 3.

Nikki Barker (left) and Corby Sovie of Port Elgin Pumpkinfest have a head start on the growing competition with pumpkins Daisy and Duke, which they were showing off at the Volunteer Fair May 3. The annual festival relies highly in volunteer participation with over 200 people recruited every year.

Pat O’Connor (centre) donned two name tags as he represented both the Marine Heritage Society and Festival as well as the Southampton Rotary Club at the Volunteer Fair May 3. Standing with O’Connor were Henry Weickert (left) of the Southampton Rotary Club and Stan Young (right) Co-Chair of the Marine Heritage Society.

Sara Dolbeck and Jim Coles, board members of The Friends of MacGregor Point Park, were looking for new “friends” to join the team May 3 at the Volunteer Fair.

Vanessa Haack and Tony Alberts of St. John Ambulance had a variety of volunteer opportunities within the life saving business.

Representing the Chantry Centre 50+ in Southampton were Connie Barker (left) and President Sybil Mercer. The duo had many people stopping by their booth to guess how many jelly beans were in the jar during the inaugural Volunteer Fair May 3.