Community fundraising events need volunteers for success

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After two long years with no community or fundraising events, individuals and families have had the opportunity to choose from a variety of festivals, concerts, and fundraising events throughout Hastings Prince Edward County this summer.

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August and September will continue to offer the opportunity to get out and enjoy festivities. Not for profits and organizations rely on fundraisers and events to support critical programming in the community. Business benefits from individuals traveling to our community and supporting our hotels, restaurants and various stores. Tourism is critical to our economy and last weekend despite the heat hundreds of people attended the 12th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters/YMCA Ribfest at Centennial Park in Quinte West.

Events of this magnitude cannot run without the support of volunteers. The weekend event had over 50 volunteers donate over 1,000 volunteer hours in three days, thank you to all our volunteers for your unwavering support.

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On August 19, 20, and 21 West Zwick’s Park will be the site for Quinte Ribfest supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters and YMCA. We still have some volunteer spots available if you have your smart serve we have front and back bar openings, students looking for some volunteer hours can assist selling pop and water, assist in tasting tent, cleaning up and handing out wet naps, and on the gates. We are looking for adults to assist with 50/50 and ticket sales, gates and clean up. Kid Zone volunteers assist with activities. Come out enjoy Ambush on Friday night and Bentwood Rocker on Saturday Night and support two important organizations in HPE.

The first-ever Quinte Watersports Fair is planned for Saturday September 10. All organizations active in non-motorized watersports clubs, service providers, equipment suppliers will be exhibiting at the Fair, being held in the Lions Pavilion in West Zwick’s Park. This event is to bring awareness to the World Rowing Tour, which begins the following day and build excitement in all communities in the Quinte region about the potential of the Bay of Quinte for fitness and fun for all.

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The Fair organizers which include a rowing club, a sailing club and a paddling club would like to be able to offer some extra activities, such as short ‘round-the-buoys races’ between different types of boat, for example a coxed quad rowing boat and a kayak for club crews. Also build and race a cardboard boat for families. Organizers need some volunteers to organize and assist these events. Volunteers must be able to give a few hours per week from now until the event date, including September 10.

Volunteer Opportunities include:

Community Development Council Good Food Bag program is urgently recruiting volunteers including drivers, drivers’ assistants, packers, individuals to load and unload trucks, complete phone calls, cleaner and tidy area. Some heavy lifting involved in positions. Full training provided.

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Prince Edward Community Care needs volunteers to help in the Thrift Shop at 153 Main Street in Picton. Shifts are 3 hours per week 10am – 1pm or 1pm – 4pm. No experience is necessary, full orientation and training is offered. There are always experienced volunteers on site. All pandemic safety measures are in place. Positions include cash desk and sorting and price items. Community Care is particularly in need of volunteers to take a shift on Saturdays.

VIQ is currently seeking individuals interested in volunteering at Charity Bingos. Duties include calling back Bingos, assisting with payouts and monitoring games. Both Matinee and Main Bingo time slots are available. If you are 16 years of age or older and are interested in supporting Charity organizations, please contact.

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Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign is back from September 19 to 25 supporting Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation. Volunteers are needed to help with cookie decorating in each of the locations. This is a great opportunity to come out, support your hospital and have a great time. Perfect for students to achieve your high school volunteer hours.

Quinte Conservation is currently seeking volunteers to assisting with organizing and executing their 75 Anniversary Artisan Market Fundraiser. Duties include supporting committee with various components such as silent action items, setup and teardown, traffic control and crows control and providing information to guests and more. This will be an outdoor event.

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Belleville General Hospital Foundation is seeking a volunteer to act as a Mascot. Dr Max the Moose travels to various events, cheque presentations and fundraisers to bring awareness to the work of Belleville General Hospital Foundation. Bookings for Dr. Max the Moose could take place anytime of year, are often outside.

Volunteer & Information Quinte refers volunteers to more than 275 agencies throughout Hastings and Prince Edward counties. We are currently recruiting volunteers to fulfil the needs of our community. Please contact 613-969-8862 or visit our website at www.viq.ca for more information volunteer opportunities and “Help Us Help Others.” VIQ is a United Way Member Agency.