Lakeland Connect You've Been Connected!
Think of it like a walk-through of the supports in the community, all in one place.
On Saturday, the Bonnyville FCSS is holding its first “Discovery Day” at the RJ Lalonde Arena, which is meant to bring awareness for various non-profits or support services available in town.
“What we’re offering is a chance to discover what support agencies are offering year round to families in Bonnyville,” said David Beale, FCSS director. “So that you become more aware, discover what’s out there to help families who are experiencing whatever.”
Over twenty local agencies will have tables set up at the C2 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Beale likens the event to the Community Registration Night, except instead of putting your child in soccer or cadets, families learn about what services are available and supports they might not otherwise know about.
It isn’t meant necessarily to help those on the spot, but to learn and take note of these helpful non-profits when they need them.
“This is the thing you go to, to discover what kinds of help is available out there. You want to know more about the helping agencies and maybe you want to get involved in helping these agencies. Some of them are recruiting board members, for example, some are recruiting volunteers,” said Beale.
“A lot of people have the misguided conception that there’s a government agency doing all this. And frankly, a lot of it, it’s done by people like you who volunteer for a small agency.”
Discovery Day will have a “carnival” type of atmosphere.
Each agency at their booth will have a game or activity to engage kids, plus there will be popcorn available.
Beale said after COVID, it’s always a way to see who has survived the last couple of tumultuous years, while engaging with those who may be in need of those supports.
“This is a bit about seeing who is standing after the pandemic. So there’s an element of it, especially if you’re a not for profit, society based thing that exists because of fundraising. It’s been a real rough three years for you.”
The event is free to attend for everyone and runs from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday afternoon at the RJ Lalonde Arena.
