Wellington North will celebrate local volunteers and welcome newcomers to the area at the start of May.
The Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome Event will be held May 1 at the Arthur and Area Community Centre from 4:30-7 p.m. Mike Wilson, the Community Development Coordinator for the municipality, says it will be an important night to celebrate the great volunteers in the area.
"It's a good opportunity for people who are from the community and involved here to get a meal catered to them instead of feeding other people for a change, as well, for people new to the community to come in and see what Wellington North has to offer," Wilson enthused.
Volunteer awards and the Senior of the Year award will be handed out during the event. Mayor’s welcome, presentations and cake cutting starting at 5 p.m. with a catered dinner at 5:30 p.m. The event will include displays from a variety of community organizations.
The event corresponds with National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 27 to May 3. Wilson says it's very special to be able to celebrate and thank all the local volunteers in Wellington North that make so many things, from sports to fairs to other events, happen in the area.
"All those things are due to the fact that we have volunteers stepping up and supporting those great causes. I've said before, it'd be scary to look at a community like ours and see what it's like not having those volunteers, because that's just how much they contribute," said Wilson.
The other key element, Wilson says, is making newcomers feel ingrained and welcomed and opening up opportunities for them to join volunteer associations, too.
"Nobody likes moving somewhere and not feeling like they belong or feeling like they don't know anybody, and for this event to give people an opportunity to not only find out what's available but also meet people while they're there, is something great," added Wilson.
This is a free event, however, registration will be required, and can be completed at the following Eventbrite link up until April 17: https://WNVolunteerNewcomerEvent2025.eventbrite.com
You can also register by contacting Mike Wilson at mwilson@wellington-north.com or 519-848-3620 ext. 4236.
"Volunteers are the heart of Wellington North, and we look forward to recognizing and celebrating volunteerism in our community, and also welcoming our newcomers and showing that Wellington North is a great place to live, work and raise a family," said Mayor Andy Lennox. "We encourage you to come out and join us on May 1 at the Arthur and Area Community Centre."
