BBQ draws new recruits and volunteers to Fort Erie Army Cadets

Families filled St. Andrew’s-Knox Presbyterian Church on Friday as Fort Erie’s 2966 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps opened its fall season with a free barbecue and signups for new cadets and behind-the-scenes volunteers.

The September 5 event at 203 Highland Avenue welcomed youth aged 12 to 18 and their parents for tours, meet-and-greets and short demonstrations.

All attendees were invited to enjoy the food.

“Events like this help us give back to the community and we do that with a lot of different outlets, and [cadets] encourages you to do stuff within the community,” said Emily Ross, warrant officer and cadet correspondent.

Ross said turnout included returning cadets and newcomers testing the waters. She added that families could register on the spot or take information home.

“You can join any time throughout the training year and you don’t have to join straight away when you’re 12,” said Ross.

Captain Jessica Carthew told Fort Erie Radio the evening was designed to give parents a feel for how the program runs and where help is needed behind the scenes.

“We’re always looking for more volunteers to help in the background,” said Carthew.

Carthew said community ties are central to the corps’ work, including annual poppy fund support with the local Legion and weekend training that relies on extra hands for food and logistics. She said the program helps young people build confidence and leadership that carry into school and work.

“Fort Erie is a wonderful town and I think it’s important to support what goes on,” said Carthew.

Randy De Guire, chair of the corps’ support committee, said community members do not need to be parents to help with food, shopping, fundraising or administration. He said many former cadets return as adult volunteers.

“They come back (and) they come back to help,” said De Guire.

De Guire said the structure and camaraderie give teens a place to grow with expectations around respect and responsibility. He credited the corps’ volunteers and staff for creating a safe, welcoming environment.

“It’s a good blend of parents and community members helping these kids grow to be good people,” said De Guire.

Community members interested in supporting the corps can speak with staff on site about volunteer screening and roles.

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