By Anthea Passmore
Buffalo, NY – Saturday, several local organizations will be gearing up to provide all the inspiration and resources needed for Western New Yorkers to become volunteers.
Ever thought about pursuing an objective that didn't involve a monetary reward? Or doing something out of the goodness of your heart for the benefit of others and the community? Maybe you have thought about volunteering but didn't know what to tackle or where to begin? Whether it's visiting a senior center once a week to chat with residents or walking dogs for the Humane Society. Carol Bronnenkant a community volunteer and co-chair of this event said there are plenty of extra tasks that need doing that don't necessarily have a job description or a budget to fund such work.
"The not-for-profit organizations in Western New York have been faced with cuts in their funding," Bronnenkant said. "This makes the role of volunteers even more critical."
The fair plans to match the needs of non-profit organizations with individuals who are offering their time and talents for a variety of community needs. There are over 30 participating non-profit organizations, including the Food Bank of Western New York, the North Tonawanda History Museum and Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Erie County.
"We're all pulled in many directions," Bronnenkant said. "But volunteering is not a lifetime commitment. It doesn't have to be an all-consuming responsibility."
The Second Annual Volunteer fair will be held Saturday, April 1st from 10am to 2pm at the WNED studios in downtown Buffalo.