Community events main focus of popular society
The people of Whitney Pier have a lot to be proud of. With more than 15 different ethnic and religious groups calling the area home, it has been recognized as one of the most distinctively multi-ethnic districts in the region. Fortunately, a group of dedicated volunteers remain committed to ensuring there remains a lot to see and do in the community.
The Friends of Neville Park Society is a not-for-profit, registered society dedicated to showcasing events of special interest to residents of Whitney Pier and surrounding areas. Alan Nathanson is the president of the Society and he said it was about fifteen years ago when residents came together to discuss ways to breathe new life into one of the CBRM’s most uniquely recognized communities. “We were seeing groups in other part of the municipality plan successful events that were focusing on their communities so we decided we wanted to use their example and try that in Whitney Pier.” Since its inception, the Friends of Neville Park Society has remained committed to organizing events that they feel will appeal to people of all ages. “We were trying to put community back into the community and we felt the best way to do that was to just roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Nathanson said.
Like most successful nonprofit societies, The Friends of Neville Park rely heavily on a group of volunteers to get the job done. “The society is involved in a number of events throughout the year. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the dedication of our core group.” Nathanson said they have 10 very active members who are always willing to give of their time to help with events. “We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of those who know exactly what it is they want to achieve.” Nathanson added that in addition to the members of the Society, there are a number of other volunteers from the community who give of their time to provide assistance as well. “We all have a common goal and that is to offer events that will bring people together, not just people from Whitney Pier, but people from all over the CBRM.”
Nathanson said there are tried and true events organized by the Society and enjoyed by many each year like the annual Canada Day Party and the Neville Park Car Show, and he said members of the society are open to organizing new activities. In recent years they have marketed and promoted Pier Melting Pot Festival, Neville Park Car Show and BOO-Fest Fireworks. “Our events are always very well attended. The crowds seem to get bigger each year so we know that we are giving people what they want. We love seeing Victoria Street jammed with vehicles filled with people ready to enjoy the event being offered. “
Whitney Pier has long enjoyed a well-defined identity, due in large part to the diversity of its people and the traditions that they have managed to carve out over the years. Members of the Society agree that the part they play in preserving the qualities that encourage a sense of unity within the community is something they are proud to be a part of.