Volunteers are an important resource in communities and in this one they are in high demand.
The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society (Saanich Fair) is hosting its first-ever volunteer fair on Sunday, April 23, just in time for National Volunteer Week.
“We want to encourage people from the community to join in and make a significant contribution,” said Robert Thompson, event organizer. “A lot of the events that make this a great place to live need help.”
It can be a challenge for community organizations to find volunteers to help manage their groups and help put on special events. So the volunteer fair is a way to recruit new community members.
“Boards are getting older and older. It’s the same people you saw 15 years ago. In terms of succession, it’s really important to keep these things going,” Thompson said. “It’s nice to get some young blood in. Getting younger people into any of these organizations is important because it helps build a future.”
Some of the community organizations who will be at the fair seeking volunteers are:
• Saanich Fair
• Peninsula Country Market
• Saanich Pioneer Society
• Saanich Historical Artifacts Society/Vancouver Island Model Engineers
• Saanichton Village Association
• Brentwood Bay Community Association
• Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association
These organizations will have informational displays about different volunteer roles. For example, the Saanich Fair hosts “work parties” every week where volunteers pitch in with weeding, painting and other big housekeeping tasks. The work depends on the organization and the interests of the individual looking to volunteer.
“These are all parts of what make this a great little community to live in,” Thompson said.
The number of volunteers needed various between organizations.
The event is from 1 to 4 p.m. in the RCMP Barn (Saanich Fairground) at 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road. Everyone is welcome. There will be prize draws, a petting farm, a model train demo and refreshments. For more information visit saanichfair.ca.