Okanagan Volunteer Fair Celebrates Volunteers and Mission-Driven Non-Profit Organizations

September is the time for back to school and fresh starts, and for 25 years in the Okanagan, it is also time for the Annual Volunteer Fair at Parkinson Recreation Centre (1800 Parkinson Way).   On September 17, between 10 am and 2:00 pm, over 75 non-profit organizations will be sharing how they support the community and what opportunities they have available for volunteers. Whether volunteers are interested in making an impact in the arts and culture, recreation, social services, health or animal welfare sectors, there will be a myriad of opportunities shared and the ability to meet with representatives from all of the organizations.

“The Okanagan Volunteer Fair is a fantastic way to match volunteers who are wanting to make an impact with organizations that do so much to make our community richer,” says Ellen Boelcke, executive director for KCR Community Resources, which is home to the Volunteer Centre of the Central Okanagan. “The Fair is always a feel-good event and a celebration of the volunteers that drive the mission of non-profit organizations from all sectors.”

The pandemic has had a significant impact on volunteers and volunteer programs, closing down or limiting existing programs and keeping volunteers at home, away from the social interaction that is so important for many of them. The Volunteer Fair presents a great networking opportunity for the non-profit sector and community members and for people to discover the new opportunities to give back that exist.

“The mood is optimistic and uplifting but most importantly, it is a bustling hub of people making connections, adds Boelcke. “After the past two years, it is going to an incredible feeling to be in the same space with so many people seeking to do good in their community.  I personally can’t wait and invite everyone to join us.”

Thanks to the continued sponsorship of community partners including the City of Kelowna, Central Okanagan Foundation, Interior Savings, the Kelowna Capital News and BellMedia, the Fair is free to attend with lots of special door prizes available. To ensure everyone’s safety, the set-up of the Fair ensures social spacing, using both indoor and outdoor areas at Parkinson Recreation Centre, and health protocols that include regular sanitization.

For more information about the Okanagan Volunteer Fair and a complete list of participating organizations, go to www.kcr.ca/volunteer to download the 2022 Get Involved magazine and plan your day at the Fair.

Contact:

Dorothee Birker
Communications & Development Coordinator
KCR Community Resources
250-763-8008 ext 254
dorothee@kcr.ca

Make sure you don’t miss our on next year’s Okanagan Volunteer Fair – sign up for our EBlast Newsletter.