MOUNT FOREST – The Township of Wellington North is inviting all volunteers and newcomers to its bi-annual Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome event on Sept. 18.
The celebration will be held between 11am and 2pm at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex (850 Princess Street).
It will include displays from a variety of community organizations as well as networking, a mayor’s welcome, speeches starting at 11:30am, a cake cutting and catered lunch served at noon.
For people who have recently moved to the area, this is an opportunity to learn more about the community, ask questions and receive a welcome bag full of information and goodies, officials say.
Attendees can also grab a recycling bin if they have not already done so.
This is a free event; however, registration is required, and can be completed at the following Eventbrite link until Sept. 10: WNNewcomerEvent2025.eventbrite.com
People can also contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@wellington-north.com or call 519-848-3620 ext. 4236 to register.
The celebration will fall at the beginning of Welcoming Week, which is an annual opportunity that brings new and long-time residents together, officials say.
According to a staff report presented to council on July 14, the township has hosted Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome events twice per year since 2019, with spring events taking place in Arthur and fall events in Mount Forest.
During the meeting councillor Sherry Burke said, “Since the inaugural event, it’s always an extra special event to highlight – an opportunity to recognize the staff that put a lot of hard work into coordinating the event, and also to celebrate and acknowledge the many dedicated volunteers that assist in shaping our community – from parks to archives and everything in between.”
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of Wellington North,” stated Mayor Andy Lennox in a press release.
Burke said the event is also an opportunity “to connect with those that have chosen Wellington North as their home base and to showcase the greater parts of how they can be involved with the community.
“So mark your calendar. I think its a great event and I hope lots of people come out and enjoy it.”
The report states more than 225 people attended each event last year, “which also included information tables set up by our community service and volunteer organizations.”
The spring Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome event in Arthur was cancelled this year due to a power outage.
Lennox asked staff if the fall event would have a higher capacity this year, to accommodate people who planned to attend the spring event.
Community and economic development manager Mandy Jones said while staff are currently preparing for the typical 225 guests, there are potential ways to accommodate more people if necessary.
“So advice to people would be to get their ticket booked early,” Lennox said, and Jones agreed: “Absolutely.”
According to municipal staff, “the ultimate purpose and primary goal for the Township of Wellington North is to create a safe, sustainable and welcoming community.”
This year, Welcoming Week takes place from Sept. 12 to 21 and is being celebrated with a variety of events taking place across Wellington County and Guelph.
“During Welcome Week, we’re especially proud to honour the spirit of volunteerism, extend a warm welcome to our newcomers, and celebrate the inclusive values that make our community such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family,” Lennox continued.
“Whether you’ve just moved to Wellington North or have called it home for decades, I hope you’ll join us for this special celebration.”
