City and BRAVA host free fair to match residents with local volunteer roles
The City of Brantford and the Brant Regional Association of Volunteer Administrators (BRAVA) are inviting residents to the Fall Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the T.B. Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre.
The free event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and aims to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with local organisations seeking volunteers. The fair is pitched both to those looking for meaningful ways to give back and to young people who need community service hours for high school.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Fall Volunteer Fair |
| Date | Wednesday, Oct. 7 |
| Time | 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. |
| Location | T.B. Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre, 16 Morrell St., Brantford |
| Cost | Free |
Organisers say the fair will showcase a cross-section of community groups and non-profits operating in the Brantford area, offering opportunities suited to a range of interests and time commitments. A photo from last year’s event shows Jessica Powless, fundraising and events manager at Nova Vita, and Jessica Hill, community development assistant, looking for recruits at a BRAVA-hosted fair — an example of the kinds of agencies that attend.
“The City of Brantford is extremely grateful for the dedication, commitment and generosity of our local volunteers who make a lasting, positive impact on our community,” said Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis.
City officials and BRAVA point to several practical benefits for attendees considering volunteering. The organisers highlight that volunteering can provide hands-on experience, help people develop new skills and strengthen résumés. For students, volunteer work can also be used toward required high school community service hours.
- Skills and experience: Volunteering offers practical experience that can translate to employment or post-secondary applications.
- Community impact: Local organisations gain vital support, expanding services and reach in Brantford.
- Accessibility: The fair is free and open to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
For Brantford, where municipal and neighbourhood organisations play a large role in delivering social services, events like the Fall Volunteer Fair are a recurring mechanism to refresh volunteer rosters and to introduce newcomers to community work. The fair provides a single evening where interested residents can meet representatives from multiple organisations, ask questions and find placements that match their availability and interests.
Organisers did not publish a full list of participating agencies in the announcement. Residents planning to attend are advised to arrive early to speak with representatives and to bring any relevant documentation if they plan to apply for roles requiring a police check or references.
Volunteer fairs can also be an entry point for those who are unsure how they can contribute. BRAVA and the City have used similar events in past years to identify volunteers for a range of activities, from organizing community events to supporting social service agencies. The snapshot from last year — with staff from Nova Vita and other agencies engaging directly with potential volunteers — illustrates how the format is intended to work: quick conversations that can lead to longer commitments.
The City and BRAVA are positioned as the event hosts; residents can expect a mix of local charities, service organisations and civic programs among the exhibitors. The Fall Volunteer Fair is part of a broader municipal effort to bolster civic engagement and to ensure community groups have the volunteer capacity they need heading into the busy autumn and winter service periods.
Further details should be available from the City of Brantford and BRAVA in the lead-up to the Oct. 7 event.
