COLD LAKE - The smell of fresh pancakes filled the Heritage Hall at the Cold Lake Seniors Society on the morning of April 26 as residents gathered for the City of Cold Lake’s third annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair.
The event kicked off at 9 a.m., offering free breakfast and a chance for community members to connect with dozens of organizations that are looking for new volunteers.
“Here at FCSS we're always looking for something interesting and innovative to do to celebrate National Volunteer Week, which is April 27 to May 3,” said Leanne Draper, Volunteer Services at Cold Lake and District FCSS.
“This is our third year running a volunteer recruitment fair. We thought it'd be a great way to bring volunteer organizations together and to encourage and celebrate volunteerism at the same time,” Draper added.
The free breakfast created a relaxed, fun environment where attendees could easily connect with local organizations.
Draper highlighted just how critical volunteers are to the heart of Cold Lake, saying, “Can you imagine what Cold Lake would look like if we didn't have volunteers? Who would run the food bank? Who would run the Humane Society? Where are the hockey parents?” she said.
The fair highlighted Cold Lake’s strong volunteer spirit, with Draper noting the large number of participating organizations as a sign of a vibrant community.
“It goes up and down as people's life changes, but I still feel volunteering is robust and healthy in Cold Lake. These events just give it a boost,” she added.
According to Draper, volunteers help build a community where people want to stay and raise families.
“They make our community a healthy, inclusive, diverse place to live. They make this community a place where you want to stay, raise your kids, and age. Because there's that support from programs for kids right through to, for example, Age-friendly and Meals on Wheels, right through to older adults.”
Draper explained that volunteer groups provide essential services, and anyone interested in getting involved can reach out to FCSS for help connecting with the right organization.
“I just want to wish everybody in our beautiful community a happy National Volunteer Week. We can't do what we do without you. This community would not function without these amazing, dedicated people.”
Among the many passionate volunteers attending the fair was Lindsay Toth, a volunteer and board member at the Cold Lake Food Bank.
“I saw the need in the community. I was working a full-time job, two part-time jobs, just things to make extra money and it was tough. And I also came across an idea for a fundraiser, so I approached the food bank and said, ‘Hey, how can I get involved?’ and that was the first year that it started,” she said.
Toth noted she has been volunteering since about 2016.
Toth’s volunteer journey has taken her through multiple organizations.
“I've been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and just wherever I see a need in the community, I'm willing to offer my services,” she said.
Toth began volunteering through an in-school mentorship program, spending quality time with students and participating in youth events. She later got involved in fundraising events like the Coldest Night of the Year and Ride for Refuge.
“There are so many rewarding aspects to being a volunteer. The people you meet, the stories you hear, it really impacts your heart, and you know that you're making a difference,” said Toth.
When asked why volunteering is important to her, Connie MacLeod, another volunteer and board member at the Cold Lake Food Bank, said, “It gets you to know who is in your community - that was one thing.” Also, there is always a need for more volunteers.
Toth added, “I think it also fosters a sense of pride, and it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling in your heart. It's priceless.”
For those considering getting involved, MacLeod offered some advice.
“What are your passions? What are you interested in? There's always somebody out there who can use your help in that area.”
MacLeod said volunteers should explore opportunities that align with their interests and skills, noting that many people have untapped expertise to offer.
Toth agreed, highlighting that Cold Lake offers a wide range of volunteer positions suited to various abilities.
