Residents are what make Flamborough Connects work

Charity brings people, resources together, says Steinbring

Over the next couple of months, Flamborough Connects will be profiling the outstanding Flamborough residents who make Flamborough Connects the local charity that truly “brings people and resources together.”

Whether we are supporting our partner community organizations through promotion and volunteer centre services, delivering groceries to rural residents and food bank clients, or connecting young people to employment and leadership opportunities, Flamborough Connects lives up to its name as a community connector. When good people get together, great work happens.

Highlights of Flamborough Connects’ 2021 work so far include:

Over 200 free income tax returns completed and over $500,000 in cash refunds and benefits awarded directly to residents — making a significant contribution to the local economy. The income tax program is supported by five volunteers: Bill, Peter, Jean, Halima and Taranpreet.

15 residents and food bank users regularly receive support through the Flamborough Shops and Flamborough Drives programs. Both programs were initiated during the pandemic to ensure the most vulnerable have access to nutritious food and are able to get around to appointments and do essential errands safely. Both programs are supported by local volunteers Jan, Erica, Sue and Don.

Over 50 local young people, businesses and organizations participated in the Flamborough Youth Job Fair. This inaugural event of the Flamborough Youth Empowerment Program — soon to be renamed by youth — resulted in several young people eager to take the lead and build a Flamborough Youth Team and launch a program of activities that will bring opportunities directly to rural youth. This project is generously supported by the Hamilton Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Waterdown and Optimist Club of Carlisle.

88 residents have already attended our Virtual Senior Educational Series and Virtual Wheel of Fitness classes and report they feel more connected to community as a result of Flamborough Connects’ programming.

In 2020 Flamborough Connects recruited four new board members to complement a dedicated team of local individuals and lead FC through the pandemic. The Flamborough Connects board brings a wealth of expertise across all professional sectors and demonstrates a keen commitment to their neighbours, friends and family in Flamborough.

Look for upcoming profiles on all FC social media channels and learn more about the people who help FC bring people and resources together.

Amelia Steinbring is the executive director of Flamborough Connects. She can be reached at 905-689-7880 or amelia@flamboroughconnects.ca.