Built by volunteers: How Lou and Janet Divita helped Canada Day soar

Lou and Janet Divita were two of the local Canada Day committee members who made this year’s Canada Day Celebration in New Hamburg such a success. Photo courtesy of Scott Dunstall

By Scott Dunstall

Those who spent any time at Canada Day in New Hamburg this year, whether they were wrangling their kids near the Kids area or enjoying the spectacular fireworks, likely felt the ripple effect of two very dedicated volunteers: Lou and Janet Divita.

Both were very active members of the hardworking Wilmot Canada Day committee. They didn’t just show up. They showed up and showed out.

Janet Divita ran the entire children's section — face painting, crafts, games and more — while Lou Divita took the lead on marketing the event, designing everything from social media graphics to the official event banner, and of course, his eye-catching logo complete with rotating waterwheel. Together, they infused the day with energy, creativity and that distinct "made in Wilmot" spirit.

So, what made them step into such large roles?

“I just feel like Canada Day is something we need to celebrate, especially with all the negativity out there,” Lou Divita said. “Canada gave my family everything. It’s not perfect, but it’s home. And it deserves a day where we celebrate what’s good.”

Janet Divita, who has a background in early childhood education, was equally inspired.

“There was a real gap in activities for younger children in past years,” she said. “I wanted to make sure there was something special for them, too. Kids remember these things; the dunk tank, the crafts, the games. That joy stays with them.”

Behind the scenes at the Kid Zone

While many parents saw a bustling play area under the pavilion, Janet Divita saw logistics, scheduling and a high-stakes race against face painting lineups.

“We had lineups wrapped around the building,” she laughed. “I found myself Googling how to draw a caterpillar on a kid’s forehead mid-shift. And guess what? It turned out pretty good!”

She’s already planning ahead.

“Next year? I want eight face painters and I’m going to start rounding them up by September.”

Janet also emphasized how important it is to offer free, inclusive activities.

“Some parents couldn’t believe everything was free. They kept asking how much the crafts or games cost. When I told them it was all covered thanks to local businesses and the community, they were blown away.”

Marketing magic, Wilmot style

Lou Divita’s role may have been behind the scenes, but it was front and centre on everyone social-media feed, in shop windows and even on bridges.

“I designed the banner, the logo and most of the marketing materials,” he said. “But that only works when you’ve got input from the whole team. I’d get ideas from other volunteers, go back, tweak designs, run them by the township and repeat.”

One banner even came to life after a spontaneous late-night photoshoot at the fairgrounds.

“We needed a better shot,” Lou Divita said. “So, after a meeting one night, we just drove out, got the perfect picture and I stayed up designing it. That's what volunteering is. You give a little more than you planned, and it always comes back around.”

Better together

Janet and Lou Divita say their success comes from working as a team at home and on event day.

“If I couldn’t make a meeting, Lou would go,” Janet Divita said. “And we’d debrief each other. We each had our own focus, but we also backed each other up.”

“Over the years, we’ve honed our ability to communicate well with each other and we like doing things together,” Lou Divita added. “Volunteering gave us another way to stay connected, both with each other and the community.”

Why it matters

When asked what volunteering brings to their lives, both Divitas lit up.

“It’s hard work,” said Janet Divita. “But when you see the kids having fun, when you hear the thank-yous, when the event goes off and families are smiling, it’s worth every ounce of effort.”

“There’s pride in watching something grow,” Lou Divita agreed. “Even compared to last year when I joined the committee, there was an explosion of growth. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

And the ripple effect is already showing. Several of the groups they worked with, including local Scouts, are coming back next year with even more ideas.

Want to help next year?

For anyone who may be thinking, “I’d love to help, but I wouldn’t know where to start,” Lou and Janet Divita have one piece of advice – just start.

“There are roles big and small,” Lou Divita said. “Even a few hours makes a huge difference.”

“If you’ve got a heart for kids, or even just want to be part of something positive, we’ll find a spot for you. Trust me,” Janet Divita said.

They’re already dreaming up improvements: more visible signage for children’s activities, a revamped layout to ease crowd flow and more volunteers to help keep things running smoothly.

But more than anything, they’re hoping this article reaches the one person who’s been sitting on the fence.

“We need you,” said Janet Divita. “This town needs you.”