On Saturday, April 27, the Morris Multiplex will play host to hundreds of people—visitors as well as the local community.
The annual Spring Fling Vendor & Craft Market will return and, for the first time ever, the Morris Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Job & Volunteer Fair alongside it.
“By connecting individuals with job and volunteer opportunities in the area, we hope to help people find meaningful opportunities [and] organizations the support they need,” said Cheryl Crick, chamber assistant.
Chamber president Cheryl Demarcke concurs.
“Chamber members are struggling to find volunteers and workers. They are struggling to exist and their future is up in the air. Bringing awareness to local opportunities helps everyone.”
Demarcke notes that many individuals never returned to volunteerism following COVID-19.
“People got used to not doing things. [Lack of volunteers] is stressful on the volunteers that are already there.”
She feels the fair is a fantastic opportunity for change in the community.
“So often people want to get involved, but don’t know where to start. We expect this fair will help break down barriers to helping people connect.”
With almost 20 local businesses and non-profits attending the event held in the lobby area of the Multiplex, there is plenty of opportunity for all.
“Youth are a large, untapped demographic. We know local employers need staff, and many organizations need youth engagement,” Demarcke said. “One goal of this event is to get these youth into the local workforce and engaged with organizations that can use youthful enthusiasm and perspectives.”
Leslie Poulin, Morris Museum and Morris Area Senior Services (MASS) chair and Morris Manor secretary, is equally excited about the volunteer fair.
Like Demarcke, she has seen first-hand the effect of having too-few volunteers on the community.
“Whereas before [COVID-19], the Davidson Centre would have 50 volunteers helping with the Congregate Meal Program, served Monday to Friday from 3:30-6 p.m., now we get maybe five. Everyone was three years older and many volunteers were seniors and decided not to return. Youth these days are busy with sports or not community-minded.”
Opportunities abound for those interested in growing and bettering the community. Perhaps a family can commit to serving and cleaning up dinner once monthly for MASS, someone can share their love of gardening with the Morris Manor, sit or play games with a local senior, or learn the local history and share their knowledge with visitors at the Morris Museum.
“The aim of volunteerism is to bring joy to the community,” said Poulin. “There is something for everyone.”
“Community organizations benefit from the networking opportunities that fairs provide, allowing non-profits [and businesses] to engage with prospective volunteers and employees,” said Marielle Dyck, Valley Volunteers Auxiliary president. “The fair is the true meaning of a community working together to build on our future and be strongly connected. It is an incredible way for people to learn about their community.”
Community is top-of-mind for all the April 27th activities.
“Every year the Spring Fling provides a table free-of-charge to a community group fundraiser,” noted Arien Peterson, facilities manager at the Multiplex. “This year’s complimentary table was awarded to the Morris School who is hosting a wine raffle and 50/50 draw to support their canteen renovations. We hope to see many people out and supporting one another.”
The vendor sale is one of the largest and most successful in the region.
“We have a high rate of returning vendors every year,” said Peterson. “This year we have a waitlist of 16 vendors and all tables have been booked since the end of February.”
