Volunteers meet their match at inaugural event
Fair connects residents with groups needing help
We’re sharing this information with you, even though we didn’t write it. It was provided by Volunteer Peterborough. This copy was reviewed and edited by the Metroland editorial team.
Volunteer Peterborough welcomed area residents to attend its inaugural Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair on Wednesday.
Forty organizations set up booths to share details about how to get involved in their causes.
The fair took place at the YMCA in Peterborough from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors dropped in for free on their lunch hour, after school or after their workout.
The fair builds on the momentum created by VolunteerPeterborough.ca, a free matchmaking website between volunteers and agencies. It aligns individuals’ interests and skills with current opportunities. To date, 1,000 volunteers and 120 organizations interact on the site.
“We’re at a critical crossroads where people are seeking meaningful roles to support the community while charities need new helpers,” said Lois Tuffin, chair of Volunteer Peterborough’s steering committee, in a release. “This event aims to introduce more people to organizations they may not know or to open their eyes to how they can make a difference.”
This pilot project of an in-person event was funded by the Peterborough Foundation and sponsored by Harco Enterprises.
“Our organization thrives on a network of partnerships with people who see the vital need for engaged volunteers,” Tuffin said. “We are grateful to have their support so we can make more matches.”
Volunteer matchmaking services are also available in person, thanks to an arrangement with the Peterborough Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. Program manager Geneviève Ramage can be reached for an appointment by emailing volunteer@volunteerpeterborough.ca.