Collingwood Fair needs help

The Collingwood Agricultural Society, operators of the annual Great Northern Exhibition (GNE), needs volunteers.

Vice president Maxine Coutts-Reid says they need volunteers with particular skills.

“Many people don’t realize we’re a million dollar operation,” she said. “We have one paid staff. The rest are all volunteers. We own the property and have a mandate to produce an annual fair so we need volunteers to look after grounds upkeep, building maintenance and rentals, and to run the GNE plus the three fundraising dinners, fashion show and craft show that we do each year.”

There is a particular need, according to Coutts- Reid for people with finance and business acumen to help with budgeting and spending decisions, and people with human resources backgrounds to match volunteers with appropriate roles.

“They don’t necessarily need an agriculture background,” she said.

There is also a need for leadership to keep the organization strong as older members prepare to retire. It takes approximately 200 volunteers to stage the GNE, and 50-75 volunteers on a year-round basis to handle other tasks. Anyone interested in becoming involved can apply online at www.greatnorthernex.com/volunteer or email admin@greatnorthernex.com.