Government agencies and local community groups will be together under one roof in Oak Bay next weekend for an event that connects people with the services they need.
The Community Services Expo at the Monterey Recreation Centre will feature displays from a wide variety of organizations that serve Oak Bay and Greater Victoria.
Group displays will be in one room, while in another, workshops will be offered that help participants navigate a variety of government programs.
The event is hosted by Victoria NDP MP Denise Savoie. It’s the third such event in the past 12 months, though it’s the first to be held in Oak Bay.
Accessing the range of government services available can be a daunting task, and an event like this aims to simplify the process, Savoie said.
“So many people I hear from say, ‘I call and I get, If you want this, press one, press two, press 55,’” she said. “They get really frustrated. The idea of speaking to a real live person who can help answer their question ... I think makes a big difference.”
It’s also an opportunity for the local MP to meet her constituents. With a riding known simply as “Victoria,” some residents may forget sometimes that Oak Bay and parts of Saanich are within its boundaries.
“Whether we’re holding public meetings or running workshops, I think it’s good to hold them in different parts of the riding,” Savoie said.
The expo also provides community groups with much-needed exposure. Among those that will be in attendance are Oak Bay Sea Rescue, Oak Bay Volunteer Services and the Community Association of Oak Bay.
“Our purpose is knowledge transfer, to inform the public,” said Community Association president Tom Croft. “This meets our mandate perfectly.”
The Community Services Expo happens Saturday, Feb. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. Savoie will be in attendance between 2 and 3:15 p.m.
For a list of participating groups, visit Savoie’s Facebook page (facebook.com/denise savoie) or check her website, www.denisesavoie.ca.
reporter@vicnews.com