For just over two years now, a group of local leaders from area non-profits and community organizations has been meeting on a monthly basis to work on growing and supporting volunteerism and community engagement on the North Shore. The group is called “North Shore Volunteer Leadership” and represents organizations such as libraries, historical societies, local theater, social service organizations, and more.
Last April, Head of the Lakes United Way received a grant from the Volunteer General Fund to support volunteer engagement and further the work of the North Shore Volunteer Leadership group. So far, they have used this funding, as well as a grant from Lovin’ Lake County, to host a community-wide volunteer appreciation event at Castle Danger Brewery called “Volun-Cheers North Shore.” They also gathered information on volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County and published a “North Shore Volunteer Directory.”
In August, the volunteer leadership group gathered at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland, MN to plan the next event, a volunteer and non-profit fair which they are calling “Connecting for a Cause Northshore.” The event is a way to meet representatives from local non-profit organizations on the North Shore and learn about how to support their mission and programming through board service, volunteerism, donations, and/or fundraising. Their goal is to boost engagement by creating a time and place for non-profits to share their mission and work with members of the community. From maintaining local trails to supporting area veterans, they hope to connect people with a cause that is meaningful for them. So far, the group has 20 organizations registered to table at the event, such as the Friends of Finland, Silver Bay and Two Harbors Public Libraries, WTIP Community Radio, Lake County Historical Society, Northshore Area Partners, Arrowhead Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and many more.
Additionally, they will have music provided by local musicians Marcia Oates and Therese Hardy. Lunch will be provided by Baptism River BBQ at noon. Head of the Lakes United Way will be giving out 15 Medify Air MA-35 Wall Mount Air Purifiers that will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, one per household. The purifier donation was facilitated by Duluth resident Travis Wright with distribution assistance from the American Red Cross.
Connecting for a Cause North Shore will take place on Thursday, October 22nd, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland, MN. Everyone is welcome!
