Most community organizations have to look to imaginative ways to raise funding for their projects. Fundraising can be tough without the aid of volunteers. The Schreiber Senior Centre in Schreiber, Ontario has been blessed with a dedicated membership, most of whom are only too happy to volunteer in order to support the centre.

Traditionally the annual barbeque street event, held every Thursday during the summer season, had taken place on the main street in front of the cenotaph but due to work in the area a new venue had to be found. Last year of course, there were no outdoor events during the summer season, so this years announcement of the return of the street barbeque was greeted with enthusiasm. Quite often other organizations join together to increase the success of such an event. This also results in more volunteers and increases the exposure for such fundraising efforts.

Cathy Carlino was on hand to give an update on the re-opening of the Senior Centre and thanked the volunteers and members who make community events possible.

This year, one of the organizations to partner with the seniors had been the Schreiber Public Library. They have combined resources in the past to roll out iPads to seniors and other programmes and often share resources when it comes to promoting the Little Sprouts Community Garden and various other community events. The library invited local author Vicky Dye to participate in a book walk that featured one of her books and she also was keen to hand out ice cream coupons and chalk for the kids chalk drawing contest. Local volunteer Kathie Coyle, a recent resident to Schreiber, shared her thoughts on how important it is for people to volunteer in a community so these different events could take place. Aside from meeting people, there is also the possibility of learning skills you might not have had the opportunity to acquire. 

Nathan Dias, the CAO of Schreiber said that it was important to promote and support our local committees as it not only spreads awareness but creates a venue for funding that helps keep these programmes running. Economic development officer Dominique Charbonneau also emphasized the financial impact outdoor venues provide to local business. When people gather at these functions, they often go to other local businesses to purchase goods or get updates on sales that might be happening. Having the streets open to the public is very important to the residents of Schreiber as small town residents love any opportunity to chat with neighbours and meet up in person. This year, funds raised from the barbecues will be used to help pay for the seniors road trip to Thunder Bay.