(Central Library-London Public Library. Credit: Roger Farias)
Some organizations, especially non-profits and traditional summer festivals in London, have been struggling to find volunteers for months, as highlighted by 1069 The X recently. Still, the London Public Library hosted a successful Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Jan. 18, drawing a solid crowd despite snowy and bitterly cold weather.
“The Volunteer Fair took place at the Central Library. We had 37 organizations from across the city sharing a variety of opportunities. It was a very well-attended event. We had about 475 people and we’ll be running it again on July 12,” said Sarah Morton, Librarian at the Central Library.
(Credit: Roger Farias)
“I heard about the event from the London Library, and I’m interested in volunteering because, in my country, I used to volunteer a lot, especially with children,” said Ann Margarit Bersano, from the Philippines and an ECE student at Fanshawe. “I visited a children’s museum to check what availability for volunteers they have, and I see that there’s really a lot of opportunities. I am very much interested in that because I see that volunteering is about connecting to the community and I would love to do that.”
(Credit: Roger Farias)
“I think this is an amazing event because it gives our youth, in particular, opportunities to see how they can contribute to the community and help others. My daughter and I visited many different booths, some for supporting homeless. There have been needs in London, and this is very important,” expressed Charlotte Bes, a Londoner parent.
Diego Alejandro Trujillo, a newcomer from Colombia, has been interested in volunteering in areas related to psychology and supporting seniors but hadn’t had the chance to connect with an organization in person. “I’m glad because I can now review the information a company gave me to apply. To my surprise, I also found a scouting organization, which I’d love to join since I was a scout as a child,” he said.
(Credit: Roger Farias)
Maria Thomas, a high school student from India, said: “I went around to all these different non-profit organizations, and I think it’s really interesting how so many different people are affecting the community and helping with so many different things. I think I might apply for a volunteer position at the Children’s Museum or maybe BGC London, which is the Boys and Girls Club. This is a really fun event.”
Ana Villatoro, from El Salvador, lives in Toronto and came with her two nieces to attend the volunteering fair. “In my opinion, these kinds of events are great for everyone, especially for young people in high school and people like me. I found a good opportunity here. For example, in climate action, I see a big opportunity to get involved. It’s amazing to learn about the city’s major challenges in these important areas, and I might help solve them.”
(Credti: Roger Farias)
The Volunteering Fair brought together organizations from various fields, including children and youth, community care, healthcare, newcomers, recreation and nature, and seniors. Those interested in volunteer programs will have another chance to attend this fair in July. They can also visit the websites of various organizations offering community service opportunities in the city or participate in person.
