Duane Hicks
The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau and Judy Kielczewski are hosting a free dinner on Saturday, Feb. 10 to show appreciation for all the volunteers in the community.
Volunteers are encouraged to drop by the old CN station here anytime between noon and 2 p.m. that day and have a free meal consisting of sloppy joes, coleslaw, potato chips, coffee, juice, and dessert.
The meal is being paid for with money not used for last month’s community Christmas dinner.
The idea was brought forward by Kielczewski at a Christmas dinner debriefing.
“We had a few donations left over after the expenses, so we thought it was time to thank all of the volunteers,” she reasoned.
“With the leftover donations from the Christmas dinner, we figured it was a good way to pay things forward,” echoed Volunteer Bureau executive director Matt Soprovich.
Kielczewski clarified they are inviting all volunteers in the community–not just ones who have helped out at the Christmas dinner.
“We’ve got so many volunteers in town–some of them that we don’t even know do volunteer work,” she noted.
This means anyone from individuals who deliver “Meals on Wheels” to those who help out at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship each year.
“We’ve got so many groups doing this and that in the community that it will be a good way to get people together for a nice little social event; a nice little ‘thank you,'” said Soprovich.
“For the Volunteer Bureau’s part, it makes perfect sense to help carry this event out and help facilitate things, show people their value,” he added.
“It’s time for people to know the Volunteer Bureau is still here,” Kielczewski noted.
Kielczewski said the timing of the event–noon-2 p.m.–is intended to make it easy for volunteers to drop by while they’re doing their Saturday afternoon errands.
“If somebody is out with their family and they’ve done lots of volunteering, we don’t care if they show up with their kids for a sloppy joe,” she stressed.
“I just want it to be open to anybody who’s done any volunteer work.”
Kielczewski said that she, her husband, Gary, and Ruth Brockie will be preparing enough food to feed 150 people.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” she enthused. “I like to cook.”
“And I like to eat her cooking,” chimed in Soprovich.
“I just want everyone to show up, have a sloppy joe, and maybe chat with someone they haven’t seen in a while,” Kielczewski added.
Any leftovers will be donated to the local “Loaves and Fishes” soup kitchen.
To keep up-to-date with happenings at the Volunteer Bureau, check out its Facebook page.
You also can call Soprovich at 274-9555 (if he’s not there, leave a message).
