ST. PAUL – St. Paul Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) invites the public, organizations, and newcomers to St. Paul to check out Community Awareness Night, scheduled for Sept. 14 at the St. Paul Recreation Centre between 5-8 p.m.
The evening will bring organizations together to promote themselves, allow for a convenient opportunity where residents can register with groups and clubs, and offers everyone a chance to share information.
“It’s kind of like a large meet and greet,” said FCSS Director Lynn Smid. She explained the event is an opportunity for everyone, including those new and old to the community, to explore different activities or volunteering opportunities.
“It's a great opportunity for [people] to get a good feeling for what is being offered in their community, and to make further connections with individuals and organizations,” said Smid, explaining there will be something for everybody at the event. “Families [can also] find how to engage their kids with the community and I also encourage all newcomers to come check it out.”
Smid said individuals will have an opportunity to sign up or get information on a variety of activities like swimming lessons, hockey, figure skating, and even art. The event is also an opportunity for organizations to engage with their community in person, according to Smid.
“It’s an opportunity for them just to come, set up a table, display their brochures, provide information on their not-for-profit or their organization, their recreation activity, and to allow people to ask questions and sign up,” she said. “Community Awareness Night is really more about individual, family, [or] community organizations that allow you to participate in their organization and recreation activities.”
Smid said there are over 25 organizations registered as of Aug. 31, including government, local, and non-profit organizations. The registration deadline for organizations looking to join the event and set up a table will be Sept. 12.
Registration forms for Community Awareness Night can be found on the FCSS website, and registration fees can be paid at the FCSS office.
Fall clothing exchange
The fall clothing exchange organized by FCSS is also set for Sept. 14, and will also run on Sept. 15.
The event is offered entirely free to the community.
Donations of “clean, used clothing and shoes for all ages,” can be dropped off on Sept. 13 between 1 and 8 p.m.
The clothing exchange will be open to the public from 1 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 14, and again from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 15.
Community members are encouraged to bring their own bag when they stop by and browse through the tables of donated items.
For more information on either event, contact the St. Paul Regional FCSS office at 780-645-5311.
