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Active Living Fair coming up

Ask any not-for-profit organization and they’ll tell you that finding volunteers can sometimes be challenging.

By Sandi Stewart

Ask any not-for-profit organization and they’ll tell you that finding volunteers can sometimes be challenging.

However, the 2013 Active Living Fair, being held at the Lacombe Memorial Centre on Sept. 11, is planning to match volunteers up with the not-for-profit groups that need help.

This is an added feature to the popular public registration night for programs and activities.

“Anybody can come, no matter if you have kids you are signing up for an activity or are single, if you want to be part of a volunteer group or non-profit society, anything like that, just feel free to drop in and check out their volunteer openings there,” said Barb Walker, executive director of Lacombe Neighbourhood Place.

Anyone wishing to have fun, meet new people, make a difference, influence decisions, build new skills or enhance their resume can volunteer for anything that they are passionate about.

“We want to connect individuals who are looking to volunteer to the many volunteer groups and opportunities available in the community, and that they can find them easily,” said County of Lacombe Lifelong Learning Association Executive Director Dani Ducross.

“So far we’ve had a lot of positive comments. People are saying that this is a great idea.”

Making use of the highly popular Active Living Fair will help not-for-profit organizations reach different members of the community, who otherwise might not be reached with tradition advertising.

“I think you can reach a variety of different demographics,” said Jan Pocock, volunteer coordinator for the Lacombe and District Family and Community Support Services - FCSS.

“Maybe youth would be more likely to see volunteer opportunities on the night of the fair than they would in the newspaper or something like that.”

This is the first year that connecting volunteers has been a focus for the Active Living Fair. It is a welcome addition for the community, and is attracting groups, such as the Lacombe Fire Department, who are looking to recruit volunteers for all positions, organizers say.

The Lacombe Active Living Fair will be held at the Lacombe Memorial Centre on Sept. 11 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. For more information on the fair, call Dani Ducross at 403-782-7955.