Community Action Isle of Wight’s Volunteer Centre has confirmed that September’s Island Volunteer Fair will be the final large-scale event of its kind following the loss of local funding.
The event will take place on Sunday 13th September between 11:00 and 15:00 at the Riverside Centre.
Due to funding for the Volunteer Centre not continuing beyond September, organisers say this will be the last chance for residents to meet a wide range of organisations all under one roof in this format.
More than 50 charities, community groups and public services are expected to attend, offering visitors the opportunity to explore volunteering roles, ask questions and make connections in an informal setting.
Entry is free, with no commitment required. Attendees can drop in at any time and speak directly with staff and volunteers about opportunities suited to their interests and availability.
Volunteering can help individuals build confidence and skills, improve wellbeing, and reduce loneliness by meeting new people and engaging in the community.
The Island Volunteer Fair has long been a key date in the Isle of Wight calendar, helping thousands of residents connect with local organisations while supporting groups to recruit volunteers and raise awareness of their work.
With this set to be the final event of its scale, Community Action Isle of Wight is encouraging residents to attend and make the most of the opportunity.
Local charities, community groups and organisations are also being urged to book a stall as soon as possible, with strong interest already reported. There is no charge to reserve a space at this stage, with fees not payable until September.
For more information or to book a stall, visit www.communityactionisleofwight.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 07498 470216.
So,
This is an event to promote charities, to enable them to recruit volunteers….
Where does the money go? Rental of the venue? Payment to charity employees?
Shame on you if you charge a penny to host this event.
Shame on you if you expect to be paid to organisr this event.
not sure you understand how charities & the charity sector works….
in any business,. whether part of the charity sector, or not, there are still intrinsic costs that have to be covered…
the Riverside Centre is itself a charity,..which raises money (partly by hosting events like this) to enable their own work… but running the Centre costs money.
part of the money every charity raises, is used to fund ‘advertising’ (possibly through events like this), to further their own aims..
Shame on you, if you expect people to give their time, and resoursed for nothing.
I think that’s the whole point of volunteers,.. that they do, what they do, voluntatily… but it’s not mandatory…
I understand charities only too well.
I have been involved with a number for many years.
This island is home to many, and they need volunteers. People who give their time, energy and expertise with no thought of reward. Many would describe it as ‘giving back’ to society .
My point is, that an event that aims to bring together local charities with those who are considering volunteering ought to be sponsored and supported by the venue and the organisers, and not levy charges or expect remuneration for delivering it.
I well understand that the venue usually needs to earn income by charging, but that this event ought to be treated by them as an exception.
I also appreciate that charities have paid staff members. Many, lets be honest here, have too many. And rely on grants and handouts far too much. However, when an event is organised to promote volunteering, it ought to be organised by volunteers. Even if those people are usually remunerated.
They ought to put aside their business aims for a few hours and volunteer their services, in order to promote that same attitude in those they would recruit .
Volunteers should be rewarded for their hard work.
It is why this island has so many organisations who have received the Queens, now the Kings, award for voluntary service.
Volunteers take pride in the work they do, the hours they give. As I said, many have the attitude that they are ‘giving back’ to their society. That my friend is their , as you put it, ‘reward’ .