Across Norfolk County, volunteers are the quiet engine behind many of the programs and spaces that bring people together. On Volunteer Appreciation Day, one of those spaces is Riversyde 83 in downtown Simcoe.
Operated by the charity Church Out Serving, Riversyde 83 is more than a café or marketplace. It’s a community hub where people can share meals, learn new skills in the teaching kitchen, attend workshops, and gather for events — all with a focus on wellness, connection, and food security.
At the heart of it all are volunteers. They prepare meals, support programs, organize food initiatives, and help create an environment that feels welcoming and inclusive. Some found Riversyde 83 through their church. Others were simply looking for a way to give back in a new community. Many have now been involved for years.
What keeps them coming back is not just the work itself, but the relationships built along the way. Volunteers describe forming friendships, feeling part of a team, and seeing firsthand how their efforts translate into real support for people in need.
Riversyde 83 stands as a reminder that small acts of service can have a powerful ripple effect.
To hear directly from the volunteers and founders behind Riversyde 83, you can listen to the full-length interview now.