Healthcare SOS bringing candidates together Tuesday for meet-and-greet

A meet-and-greet-style event is aimed at giving Fort Erie residents the opportunity to speak with mayoral and town council election candidates.

Hosted by Fort Erie Healthcare SOS, Tuesday’s event will run between 4 and 7 p.m. in the Fort Erie Leisureplex banquet hall.

“We just felt that it was necessary, particularly at this time, for people to be aware of the election, to be aware of where candidates stand and to go out to vote,” said Heather Kelley, director of Fort Erie Healthcare SOS.

She said all candidates except one are expected to be at the event.

Candidates–and acclaimed councillors George McDermott (Ward 1) and Ann-Marie Noyes (Ward 6)–will be seated at tables throughout the hall to speak with residents.

“Each person has five minutes with the candidate to ask their question and get a response,” Kelley said.

Ultimately, the amount of time with each candidate will depend on the event turnout, she added.

The SOS group advocates to protect health-care services at Niagara Health’s Douglas Memorial building.

Kelley said she and the Fort Erie Healthcare SOS team were watching for information about election events such as debates or candidate meetings, but for a while didn’t see anything. So, they decided to host something themselves.

“The candidates seem to be excited to have the opportunity to go to one location,” Kelley said of the alternative to door-knocking.

The organization is accepting donations at the meet-and-greet. Candidates have been asked for donations to help offset the hall rental costs, and residents are invited to bring non-perishable food items for food banks across the municipality.

“I just think it’s important that people come out to speak to their candidates,” Kelley said of the ultimate goal of the event.

Fort Erie Healthcare SOS team members will be at the banquet hall doors to help residents determine in which ward they live and direct them to their candidates.

Residents do not need to preregister for the event.

Voters go to the polls October 26.

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