With National Volunteer Week quickly approaching, the County of Brant is inviting residents to attend its inaugural Community Volunteer Fair on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The event, which will take place at the Brant Sports Complex in Paris from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., is designed to celebrate volunteerism and give local community organizations the opportunity to showcase their programs and services, as well as provide details about available volunteer opportunities.
Lisa Koekoek, the County’s Community Partnership and Senior Services Coordinator, said the municipality is hosting the event to help connect local community groups with potential volunteers.
“The County of Brant, through its Community Partnership Program, has engaged with a wide range of dedicated local organizations over the past year,” she said. “A consistent theme emerging from these discussions is the growing challenge many groups face in attracting and retaining volunteers.”
Koekoek said that volunteers are truly the backbone of the community. From minor sports to service clubs, special events and community groups, many organizations in the County often depend on the dedication and commitment of local volunteers; without them, things like special events just wouldn’t be possible.
“They [volunteers] play a vital role in shaping and sustaining the groups and organizations that make the County of Brant such a strong and vibrant place to live,” she said. “Through their time, skills, and dedication, volunteers support programs, organize events, and deliver services that enrich the lives of local residents. Many of the opportunities and experiences people enjoy, from community events to support services, simply wouldn’t exist without their contributions.”
During the event, residents will have the opportunity to chat face-to-face with around a dozen organizations such as Darmont GivesBack, the Paris Figure Skating Club, Meals on Wheels, Paris Youth Softball, St. George Apple Fest, the Rotary Satellite Club of Paris and the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, to name a few.
While many organizations often list volunteer opportunities online, Koekoek said that an in-person event is a way for interested residents to gain a deeper understanding of what community groups do throughout the year and how they contribute to the County of Brant as a whole.
“Hosting an in-person volunteer fair offers a more personal and engaging experience than simply posting opportunities online,” she said. “It gives residents the chance to have real conversations with representatives from local groups, ask questions, and gain a clearer understanding of what each role involves.”
Open to all ages, especially those in high school students looking to complete their community service hours, Koekoek said she hopes the event will instill residents with an understanding of the role volunteerism plays in the County of Brant.
“Residents will leave the event with a greater appreciation for the many outstanding groups and organizations that contribute to making the County of Brant such a vibrant and connected community. The event will showcase the wide range of programs, events, and initiatives led by local organizations, highlighting the important role they play in enhancing quality of life across the County. We also hope residents feel inspired to take the next step; whether that means becoming a member, volunteering at an event, or getting more actively involved in their community. By connecting people with local opportunities, the event aims to strengthen community engagement,” she said.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
