Community Day is returning this year, giving residents and newcomers a chance to connect with local not-for-profit organizations.
Hosted by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Newcomers Association, this event will see participating organizations set up information tables inside the NOTL Community Centre for people to learn about local services, see which ones might meet their needs, or find volunteer opportunities.
Megan Wood, president of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Newcomers Association, which organizes the event, said they’ve been running it for several years, with about 30 not-for-profit groups registered to participate.
“The goal is to bring all the not-for-profit organizations that are available to people in NOTL,” she said. “It’s kind of a one-stop shop.”
“Many of the not-for-profits … get volunteers from the community,” said Wood. “People who want to offer their time can learn about the organizations and then sign up for volunteering. So, we certainly see a lot of that.”
Wood said many vendors return each year: “They wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t helpful to their organization.”
Attendees will be welcomed at the door, she added, noting that the sense of connection and goodwill is what organizers aim for.
“It’s a great offering to the community,” said Wood.
Community Day takes place Nov. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the NOTL Community Centre.
Participating organizations include the RiverBrink Art Museum, NOTL Library, Writers’ Circle, NOTL Palliative Care, NOTL Historical Society and Museum, Friends of Fort George, Shaw Guild, Meals on Wheels, Niagara Foundation, Niagara Workers Welcome, Evergreen Community Choir, Town of NOTL, NOTL Ambassadors, Newark Neighbours Food Bank and Thrift Shop, May Court Club, Community Palliative Care and Wellness NOTL, Outreach Services Seniors Community Programs and Services Niagara Region, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Theatre, Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, Niagara Bruce Trail Club, NOTL Cat Rescue, Rotary Club of NOTL, Adult Day Program, Community Centre, TD Niagara Jazz Festival, Seniors for Climate in Niagara, CFUW, and Start Me Up Niagara/Niagara’s Mobile Closet.
daniel@niagaranow.com
