Kitimat’s inaugural Volunteer Fair has been postponed due to conflicts with Spring Break. The original March 23 event will now occur on Saturday, April 13.
The Volunteer fair is designed to bolster community engagement and match people’s skills and abilities with local volunteer organisations.
“It’s like a mini trade show for volunteerism,” said Laurel D’Andrea, the Chamber’s executive director.
The fair is an open invitation to individuals from all background to explore opportunities and contribute to local causes. Community organizations will be present in force, operating booths to explain their missions and scout for potential volunteers, assessing the skills on offer and the availability of those willing to serve.
Inspiration for the fair came from D’Andrea’s previous experiences in Kelowna, where she witnessed the positive impact of a similar event. Motivated by those outcomes, she has spearheaded the Kitimat edition, aiming to replicate and build upon that success.
The fair will also serve as a grounds for networking among organizations to learn more about one another and their needs. Sometimes, D’Andrea noted, a volunteer might be underutilized with one organization, but in demand with another. “Let’s say it’s a bookkeeper. This kind of networking allows them to share that valuable resource, that volunteer.”
In addition to the fair, the Chamber will also be creating an online directory for matching volunteer needs with available local talent. This digital platform will allow organizations to directly update their volunteer requirements, ensuring the information remains current.