Seniors invited to ‘step out’ and learn about volunteer opportunities
June 10, 2025 at 1:01 PM
An event being held Saturday will offer a hub of information for Fort Erie’s older population, and also a chance for them to get out and socialize.
Seniors Stepping Out, hosted by the Town of Fort Erie’s senior citizens advisory committee, will take place at the Leisureplex from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering more than 30 vendors and a free lunch to local residents who are 55 years of age and above.
Since the event started four years ago, other themes in the past have been healthcare and a showcase of various agencies available in the community.
This Saturday will have a focus on volunteerism.
While there are many longtime residents who may not be aware of what organizations in town need people to pitch in, feedback has been received by seniors who have recently relocated from elsewhere that more information is needed about who is seeking volunteers, said Deborah Fairlie, a member of the advisory committee.
There are two focuses of the event, one being to educate and share information with retired folks about which groups in town might need help, and the other to offer a chance for them to mingle with others in their same age bracket, said Fairlie.
Brock University will be on hand, sharing a recent study that shows that “volunteerism helps with mental health,” she said.
The most recent census, taken in 2022, states that 49 per cent of Fort Erie’s population are considered seniors.
The town has grown a lot since then, and that figure is likely “outdated,” said Fairlie, adding that new information is needed from Statistics Canada, which should indicate that the percentage of the population being 55 and older is likely higher.
The event was initiated in 2022 by Cathy Mindorff-Facca, a well-known community volunteer who died in 2023.
The advisory committee is honoured to keep the annual occasion going.
“We decided to continue with it because it was an amazing idea,” said Fairlie.
There will be food trucks, prizes and activities, as well as an area for agencies to conduct interviews with potential volunteers.
Seniors who do not live in Fort Erie will be asked to pay for their lunch.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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