If you have some time, and the desire to make a difference in your community, FuseSocial’s two-day BBQ is just what you need to visit starting tomorrow, July 23, 2022, and Sunday, July 24.

Melanie Wabano, Fuse Social’s NorthStar Ford Volunteer Centre Coordinator explains more.

“This is the first fundraiser BBQ that we have done at FuseSocial, and we are also hosting a volunteer recruitment pop up at the same time. We are excited to be getting out in the community while raising funds for local charities and recruiting volunteers at the same time,” said Wabano who joined the group this April.

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Fuse has 6,909 registered volunteers on WBVolunteers.ca, their volunteer database. Their hope is to hit the 7000 mark this summer. The goals for the BBQ are to “interact with the community and make connections, raise awareness for volunteer opportunities in our area, raise funds, and to gain some new registered volunteers on our platform WBVolunteers.”

There are 145 organizations currently on WBVolunteers that post all of their volunteer opportunities – some are for specific events, while others are ongoing opportunities. A few of these opportunities, she shares, are: Youth Program Volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club casino volunteers for Special Olympics, Receptionist for the FRAP (Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle) FRAP, Crisis Line volunteer for SOS, Volunteer Bus Drivers for the Golden Years Society, and North life Soup kitchen volunteers.

“But our biggest volunteer recruitment need right now is for the Athabasca Tribal Council’s Cultural Festival. This festival requires around 1,000 volunteers with many positions available. This is only a snapshot of the opportunities available, so I would encourage everyone to create an account and view all the available opportunities and sign up to volunteer for an organization that resonates with your personal interests and values,” adds Wabano.

And, if you need more reasons to attend, or volunteer, she continues, “giving back to the community in a meaningful and direct way is a major reason we recommend people become a volunteer.”

“Other reasons include being involved with an organization you strongly stand behind and have a passion for their work, meeting like-minded people and feeling a sense of camaraderie. It can also be a useful tool for learning and gaining experience for work or education. The reasons for volunteering are endless! And it is a deeply personal experience.”