Northumberland United Way’s Day of Caring returns Friday, bringing together 150 volunteers for a day of community service at 30 locations across the county.
Now in its 27th year, Day of Caring has grown into one of Northumberland’s most visible celebrations of volunteerism. What began as a workplace initiative involving companies such as Cameco, CPK, and SABIC has evolved into a county-wide effort connecting businesses, volunteers, and community organizations through a single day of action.
Volunteers will fan out across Northumberland to complete projects ranging from landscaping and beautification to repairs, painting, gardening, and site improvements.
Several multi-year projects will reach important milestones this year. At the Northumberland Humane Society, volunteers will complete a memorial garden that began taking shape during last year’s event. At Ed’s House Hospice Care Centre, teams will continue landscaping work while building an outdoor workstation for a planned pick-your-own flower station.
Returning Day of Caring locations include the Cobourg Public Library, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, Friends of Wesleyville, Community Living and Respite Northumberland, and Streamway Villa Long-Term Care Home.
New project sites this year include Five Counties Children’s Centre in Cobourg, Youth Wellness Hub Northumberland in Port Hope, and Community Health Centres of Northumberland.
Long-time community partners continue to play a major role. Home Hardware Cobourg, Port Hope, and Newcastle will once again provide supplies and support, while the Cobourg Lions Club will host both the volunteer breakfast and afternoon barbecue.
Northumberland United Way has organized the annual event for nearly three decades as a way to connect workplace giving, volunteerism, and community impact, helping local organizations and individuals complete projects that might otherwise remain on their wish list.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
