Whether you're looking for a new group to volunteer with, or signing up your child for a club sport, you don't need to look any further than the Community Awareness and Registration Night.
On Thursday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m., close to 100 local community organizations will all be under one roof in the Centennial Centre fieldhouse. Residents will have the chance to peruse various booths, signing up for their favourite classes and gaining more information about those they weren't aware of.
"The Bonnyville Community Learning Council has been hosting the Community Awareness and Registration Event for over 40 years," expressed Nicole Ferbey, learning council program director. "It has grown substantially over the years due to word of mouth and social media exposure. This event provides the Lakeland region the opportunity to showcase not-for-profit organizations, educational services, recreational groups, and local businesses; a one-stop shop for identifying and addressing lifelong learning needs in our area."
For families heading out to the event to sign their kids up for fall recreation classes, there is no shortage of choices. Everything from sports clubs such as Ashlyn Gymnastics, the skating club, and soccer association, to organizations like the boys and girls club, girl guides, and music for young children will be on hand.
One organization that takes full advantage of the opportunity is Fame Dance Studios. With eight different locations, including Bonnyville and Cold Lake, owner/director Sarah Makins understands how valuable events like this can be.
"For me, running studios for the last 15 years, community registrations are one of the best ways to get information for all of the different groups and programs... It actually inspires me to see so many different groups that are out there for kids' recreation."
Makins continued, "Many different movement styles complement each other. If we have dance students that also take skating, that's awesome. Or students that take tae-kwon do that want more coordination come and take dance... We get to see so many different groups that are offering kids different activities, and so many of them partner really well together."
Anyone looking to find a volunteer opportunity is also in luck, as there are an abundance of non-profit and volunteer-driven organizations ready to set up at community awareness and registration night. The Bonnyville Lakeland 2000 Lions Club, search and rescue, SPCA, and Protection for the Unprotected, are just a few of the many worthy local groups in need of support.
"For us, the Aurora Visual Arts Association (AVAA), we have workshops and classes that we offer. It's a great place to advertise our association, as well as our workshops and classes," said Leonie Poole.
Poole noted they are also using the opportunity to accept submissions for this year's fall fair art contest. Anyone stopping by the AVAA table can drop off their entry, while getting a list of upcoming classes.
With a large number of local groups in one place, Makins added it's the perfect chance for residents to offer feedback.
"If you're coming to the community registration, feel welcome to give all of us feedback. Constructive criticism and positive news is welcome. People can say, 'I really like the schedule,' 'I really like your low fees,' or 'is there a way things could be cheaper?' Or 'we have skating class and the skaters wish to come to dance, can we move the schedule?' I would encourage everybody to use this opportunity to give their feedback to all of the different programs."
The annual Community Awareness and Registration Night is a come and go format, and is open for anyone. For more information, visit the Bonnyville Community Learning Council website at www.bonnyvillelearning.ca or call 780-826-2150.
"Through capacity building and networking we are able to build a stronger community, utilizing diverse skills and tapping into local talent, providing an increase in successful program delivery," said Ferbey. "We invite everyone to join us on our learning journey and possibly volunteer to make a difference."