More than 175 volunteers rolled up their sleeves Friday to complete projects across Northumberland as part of the 27th annual United Way Day of Caring.
The annual event, organized by United Way Northumberland, brought together volunteers from local businesses and organizations to tackle 30 projects benefiting charities, community organizations and residents throughout Cobourg, Port Hope and Castleton.
Executive Director Alicia Vandine says the event has come a long way since its beginnings nearly three decades ago.
Vandine says the initiative began as a small project involving Textron, now CPK, and was originally known as Supervisors Day. Cameco later joined the effort and over time the event evolved into one of Northumberland’s largest volunteer initiatives, now supported by nearly 14 local sponsors and community partners.
This year’s volunteers worked at 30 locations across West Northumberland, completing projects ranging from painting and landscaping to food security initiatives and facility improvements.
Among the projects completed this year was a new vegetable garden installed with support from RBC to help strengthen a community market program addressing food insecurity.
Vandine says the impact of the Day of Caring extends far beyond a single day. She estimates volunteers have contributed more than 20,000 service hours over the event’s 27-year history.
One organization benefiting from this year’s effort was the Cobourg Public Library.
CEO Jocelyn Gard says volunteer efforts will help provide a welcoming outdoor space for program, visitors and local residents.
Gard says the work benefits far more than library visitors. The garden has become a popular gathering place for community programs, including summer story times, while also serving as a valued green space for nearby residents.
Many seniors living in surrounding apartments and condominiums regularly use the garden to read, socialize and enjoy the outdoors. Gard says card groups now meet there, neighbours connect with one another and the space has naturally evolved into a community hub where people gather and build relationships.
Vandine also credited longtime partners including Cameco, CPK and the Cobourg Lions Club, which once again provided meals for volunteers.
She says the Day of Caring continues to demonstrate what can happen when businesses, volunteers and community organizations work together to make a difference, creating lasting impacts for both local organizations and the people they serve.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
