South Frontenac Community Services Hosts Volunteer Breakfast

Kelli McRobert | Apr 26, 2023

As Volunteer Week wrapped up, there were still a few events that were hosted in the surrounding Frontenac Counties. One gathering was held at the Legion in Sydenham, where a breakfast spread was offered to thank the volunteers who had worked hard throughout the year. The volunteers came from all walks of life, and each had participated, in some way, towards the many programs that the Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCS) offers. Some were drivers who drove regular clients to appointments, others delivered hot meals with Meals on Wheels, there were volunteers who worked with the Adult Daycare Service & Respite Care programs and others making phone calls for Hospice. Many helped with the Diners Club food preparation in the kitchen, serving, set-up and clean up at monthly events. Each had a story to tell of where they worked, the great people they met, and a tale of giving back to their community, some for many years, with each activity they tackled.

At the back of the hall, the staff had laid out a lovely selection of fresh baked goods, a giant fruit platter, coffee, tea, and a few fun ‘activity’ stations to demonstrate their creativity and provide input into why volunteering with this organization was great. As a token of appreciation, each volunteer could take a small canvas grab bag and select two items from the table such as seed packs, golf balls, or a sweet treat, to take home for later. The 40 attendees then posed for a quick photo and we were lucky enough to have had ‘Seamus’ the 16-month-old black lab join them as he continued his training, as a service dog, in a group setting, with tempting foods nearby.

“He is doing very well” his owner explained, and the hope is to have him help support the Hospice program in the future.

As the need for these services continues to grow in Frontenac, fundraising continues for a large addition to the current building located on Stagecoach Road. SFCSC has outgrown their current space that consists of an old church (Grace Centre) with portables next door for the ever-growing Food Bank, that is bursting at the seams, as they stack canned goods and food supplies for numerous families in need in the area. The centre is also a hub of activity for fitness, social, and recreational activities with hall rentals supplementing some of the annual maintenance costs.

Ken Foster, SFCS Executive Director, noted that the agency has met 75% of their fundraising goals due to generous donations from the community, $250K from the Federal Government, and another $750K from South Frontenac Township. The project itself is scheduled to last approximately 9 months, and Mr. Foster noted that donations are still needed and greatly appreciated to support the new Community Centre.

The next fundraising event will be the 13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, June 2nd at 12:30 PM. It will be held at the Rivendell Golf Club, 7539 Hwy 38, in Verona. For more information, contact Chelsea Thomas at 613-376-6477 ext.308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the SFCSC at 613-376-6477.