With the re-opening of the Wood Buffalo Volunteer Centre (WBVC) comes more exciting news for the Fall volunteering campaign.
The social profit agency announced partnerships with the Northern Lights Health Foundation (NLHF) as well as the Wood Buffalo Food Bank (WBFB).
Coordinator Shelby Marshall of WBVolunteers said the partnerships highlight the type of work they do at the volunteer centre.
“The support we’ve received from the Northern Lights Health Foundation and the Wood Buffalo Food Bank in allowing us to be the “home” of volunteer management for their big events makes me excited to see how WBVolunteers.ca can continue to promote volunteerism and drive more connection in our community.”
WBVolunteers also announced a redesigned website and phone app for its volunteers.
Volunteerism
Under its streamlined system, WBVolunteers could recruit, retain, and connect volunteers to events in Wood Buffalo.
NLHF Executive Director, Cindy Amerongen said their special events rely on good volunteer management.
Furthermore, she added partnering with WBVolunteers will help to keep their volunteer data secure.
“In addition, volunteer hours are more easily recorded and accumulated allowing people to support a variety of agencies and manage their volunteer time.”
Amerongen added that the Wood Buffalo Volunteer Centre is a robust tool for attracting skilled volunteers.
Also, the Wood Buffalo Food Bank plans to use WBVolunteers’ website for its upcoming 2019 Syncrude Food Drive.
The four-day event calls on volunteers to drive trucks, collect and document donations.
The food bank also requires volunteers to sort food at their warehouse.
Dan Edwards, WBFB Executive Director, praised the volunteer centre for its ability to connect agencies with volunteers.
“Utilizing this program will enable organizations such as ours to find volunteers to fill certain roles, as well as give volunteers the ability to find organizations that fit with their values.”
FuseSocial expects a busy yet exciting 2019-20 campaign for the Volunteer Centre.
Marshall said they are thankful for the support from the health foundation and the food bank.
“I know there are other systems out there and I feel grateful that they have chosen to use and support our website.”
Relaunch
The WBVC will stage an official relaunch on Nov. 13, 2019, at the Grand Ballroom in Shell Place at 6 p.m.
Guest speakers include FuseSocial executive director, Chantal Beaver, and board chair, John Evans.
Also speaking will be Emergency Social Services coordinator, Cathy Steeves, and the coordinator for the Wood Buffalo Volunteer Centre, Shelby Marshall.
This networking event allows residents to meet with representatives from local organizations and businesses, and support volunteerism in Wood Buffalo.
WBVC matches volunteers with local opportunities and educates groups on how to recruit, retain, and reward their skilled volunteers.
To register or more information about its programming, go to the Wood Buffalo Volunteer Centre website.
