Volunteer Recruitment Fair returns to Amherstburg Community Services

Chantell Rossi and Tony DeSantis from Community Living Essex County were representing one of the 18 groups at last Thursday evening's volunteer recruitment fair in the community room at ACS.

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 was represented by (seated, from left): president Shawn Wilkie, Terri Wilkie, Rita Jariett and (back row, standing) James Jariett.

Organizations from Amherstburg, Essex County and Windsor were among those in the community room at Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) last week to try and get some new volunteers.

The annual volunteer recruitment fair returned to ACS last Thursday evening, in partnership with the Town of Amherstburg. There were 18 groups in all looking for volunteers. 

Groups seeking volunteers included not only ACS and the town, but also Community Living Essex County (CLEC), the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County, Girl Guides, the Canada Day Run/Walk, Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157, Bryerswood Youth Camp, Ontario Ancestors, the Fort Malden Golden Age Centre, the Gibson Gallery, Canadian Blood Services, the Friends of Fort Malden, the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, Wings Rehabilitation Centre, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST), the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, and the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village.

“There’s a wide range of volunteer opportunities that will appeal to people of all ages,” explained ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo. “It’s a pleasure to partner with the town.”

DiBartolomeo said the volunteer recruitment fair is geared towards youth looking for their high school volunteer hours and adults looking for ways to give back to their communities.

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 was represented by (seated, from left): president Shawn Wilkie, Terri Wilkie, Rita Jariett and (back row, standing) James Jariett.

The number of participating vendors grew from last year, when there were 15 on hand. DiBartolomeo said in her conversations with returning vendors, many were reporting having gained volunteers from previous recruitment fairs.

“Word is out there this is a one-stop shop to obtain volunteers for their organizations,” said Trese MacNeil, manager of recreation services for the Town of Amherstburg. 

MacNeil said it is great for volunteers as well, because they could come to one place and find opportunities that are right for them instead of scrolling websites and finding out what the groups do.

Mark Feltoe, president of the Friends of Fort Malden, said it was the third year that group was involved. He was hopeful they could obtain volunteers again this year, with colleague James Erb adding “it’s a great way to get involved in the community.”

Volunteer Recruitment Fair returns to Amherstburg Community Services

By Ron Giofu