GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Throughout the pandemic, many events were cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns.
Now, events continue to be cancelled because of a lack of volunteers. Appleton’s Octoberfest is one of the more well-known events. It was supposed to take place this weekend.
To get events like Green Bay’s Film Festival going, it takes more than just good movies to happen.
“Anytime we have an event, we’re constantly looking for people to come out.,” said Caitlin Schuchart with the Green Bay Film Festival.
Nonprofit events like the film festival need volunteers to get the show on the road.
But, event-based nonprofits seem to be having the hardest time recruiting volunteers, according to Volunteer Fox Cities. The team says volunteering at events like the area’s well-known Octoberfest doesn’t leave the same impact as volunteering at organizations.
“They may be going to a food bank to help out, instead of, do I want to pour beer at a festival,” said Susan Vanden Heuvel, executive director for Volunteer Fox Cities.
“Our events and festivals and organizations in the area do such a phenomenal job taking the event and proceeds and giving back in the community,” said Brad Creighton, Community Engagement and Events organizer for Volunteer Fox Cities.
“But, the volunteer doesn’t necessarily feel that direct impact.”
To combat a lack of people helping at events, volunteer centers tells FOX 11 nonprofit events need to start taking different approaches.
“There was always a struggle for volunteers. That’s where you need to take a step back and look at length of shifts, instead of doing a half day can you do three-hour shifts,” said Vanden Heuvel. “You need to start recruiting much earlier.”
The Bellin Women’s Half Marathon just recently put out a plea for more volunteers. To help the area’s nonprofits, Volunteer Center of Brown County hosted a volunteer expo.
“The idea of an expo like this is to have a little bit more awareness for these non-profits and get them to connect with people they may not have,” said Volunteer Center of Brown County’s executive director, Eric Sponholtz.
Volunteer Fox Cities will be hosting volunteer fairs as well. One is Oshkosh, on Oct. 13 at the downtown Oshkosh Convention Center. As well as in Appleton on Nov. 9, at Waverly Beach.
