Meet Your Volunteer Matches With New Features and Shows

By Lois Tuffin

Already, we see a change in the volunteer landscape as more people step forward to help organizations who have sought new champions for their causes.

Volunteer Paula Greenwood shares her passion for connecting people while talking with a student at Trent University’s Volunteer Expo on Wednesday (Sept. 11). Photo by Genevieve Ramage

Since we launched VolunteerPeterborough.ca last year, an increasing number of people have jumped into working with charities that matter to them. Their enthusiasm has spread to their friends and Volunteer Peterborough continues to make their searches easier.

We felt the same energy at Trent University’s Volunteer Expo on Wednesday as students sought new interactions. At our table, many groups shared their success stories. For instance, PARN’s manager stated that half of her volunteers signed up due to her posting on our website.

Starting this month, we have added extra features to our online presence when non-profits buy certain memberships. For example, volunteer managers can now filter the list of 1,357 registered volunteers by interest and skill. From there, they simply send out messages within the platform to connect with people ready to help.

This saves them hours of time by reaching a targeted group of interested individuals. Sure, you can post to social media but only our site has the perfect audience.

Also, when new jobs get posted, email alerts go out to any volunteer who aligns with its criteria. This is offered to anyone with an enhanced or premium membership. You can get this for $25 a month and get great results.

Non-profits can still register on VolunteerPeterborough.ca without buying in. You can create a profile of your organization, then post opportunities for the best results. Think of us like Indeed where you describe roles you need to fill.

Volunteers will also discover new features when they log in. A list of opportunities that match their skills and interests will await them right in their profiles. That simplifies their ability to discover new postings without searching for them.

For those who prefer in-person connections, we have great news! Volunteer Peterborough invites residents and non-profit groups to attend two new Meet Your Match Volunteer Fairs.

After hosting a wildly successful event in the city, we decided to branch out into Cavan and Selwyn Townships. This pair of event aims to introduce more people to organizations that operate close to home and to open their eyes to how they can make a difference.

The first event takes place at the Bridgenorth Community Hall, 836 Charles Street, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. Next, we head out to the Cavan Community Centre from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Dozens of organizations have been invited to set up booths to share details about how to get involved in their causes. In both cases, visitors can drop in for free after school, before dinner or after work.

This project is generously funded by Ontario Power Generation (OPG)’s Power for Change Project. Our organization thrives on harnessing the power of individuals to make their communities better, so this is a perfect fit.

We are grateful to have OPG’s support so we can support more organizations who rely on volunteers to run their programs in Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Millbrook, Cavan, Bailieboro, Fraserville, Ida, Mount Pleasant, Springville and anywhere in between.

Any non-profit within the Townships is welcome to buy a booth at either event, which includes dinner. To book one today, email volunteer@volunteerpeterborough.ca.

These fairs build on the momentum created by our 160-plus agencies – with more welcome to join the movement. Watch for additional shows in other locations in 2025.

Thank you to everyone who has signed on as a supporter as we get rolling. It takes a village!

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