Vision 2020 Volunteer Faire to Showcase Local Organizations October 7 in Central Park

Vision 2020 Plan

Local volunteer organizations will showcase how they help the community at the inaugural Vision 2020 Volunteer Faire set for Saturday, October 7 in Fillmore’s Central Park.

Along the way, they are hoping to find some additional “helping hands” to boost their efforts.

The faire will begin at 10 a.m. in the park, located in front of Fillmore City Hall (250 Central Avenue), and will feature a variety of local service clubs and other volunteer organizations that work to benefit the local community. Organizers are hoping the event will increase volunteerism in the community and pique interest among persons who may not be aware of how they can contribute back to the community or what volunteer needs there may be.

The theme of this first-time event, “got volunteers”, plays on a popular advertising slogan. Organizers came up with the idea for the event after hosting a thank-you breakfast last year for various civic organizations and volunteer clubs who work, usually anonymously and without recognition, to help others. Volunteerism and civic pride are key components in Vision 2020, Fillmore’s 20-year vision for its future. 

The community is encouraged to attend the event to find out what these organizations do and how they might get involved. Organizers are hoping persons will see the value these organizations bring to Fillmore and consider joining a cause or two. Organizers say civic clubs and volunteer organizations across the nation are having a more difficult time of finding persons who can volunteer and Fillmore is no exception. Many local organizations have half the membership they did a decade or two ago. Long commutes to work, two-income families, and other changes in the way persons live and work, have contributed to the decline in volunteerism in the U.S. 

There are many benefits to volunteering other than just helping your community. Self-satisfaction, learning of new skills, relaxation and socialization, greater status and the ability to improve your career are some of the other benefits of volunteering in the community.

 This is a free event and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.