The town has introduced a new program to connect volunteers with the public.
Innisfail Volunteer Connection was recently released on the town's website (Innisfail.ca) as a way to tie in citizens to volunteer opportunities, as well as connecting individuals or groups needing the services of dedicated community-minded citizens to enhance a wide range of programs and activities.
The town-sponsored program is the first one of its kind since the municipality reorganized its delivery of social programming last year. Volunteers used to be handled by the town's Family and Community Support Services office through a dedicated coordinator, but now that temporary void has been filled by the new program being run by the recently arrived Karen Bradbury, the town's new community and social development coordinator.
“We are really trying to expand it (program) because it is twofold. It is for the purpose of the volunteers, but we also want to make sure we really expand the database to include all community volunteers and not just from one program sector,” said Bradbury. “We are really trying to get the word out there because when we do our annual event we want to be able to have a way to invite as many community-wide volunteers as possible.”
That event is the community's annual volunteer recognition gathering on April 15, which is being held during National Volunteer Week from April 10 to 16.
Bradbury said the main goal of the program is to let volunteers know about opportunities in the community, and to give individuals or groups looking for volunteers an easier way to attract interested citizens.
“The primary thing is to put the two pieces together so they can connect with one another,” said Bradbury of the program, which is detailed on the lower left-hand side of the town's website home page. “Registration is very simple. They go on the site and click on the link and only an email is required.”
She said the information sent by interested groups or citizens seeking volunteers will tell her what the event is, how many volunteers are required and what their role or duties would be.
“No one will contact them (volunteers) and say they are looking for volunteers for this or that,” said Bradbury. “It is more or less just saying, ‘these are the opportunities that are available', and if the volunteers are interested they would connect directly with that agency.”
In the meantime, Bradbury said details of the recently unveiled town volunteer program are being shared throughout the community by word of mouth and at monthly meetings of the Innisfail Interagency Network.
“I always let them know (agencies) that if they need volunteers they can let me know about potential opportunities,” she said. “As opportunities come in there is a database, and people can just sign up with their email address to it. As we get the opportunities available we just send that out in an email format.” Bradbury said if any interested citizen or group wants assistance navigating the website for volunteer opportunities, or needs help for an event, he or she can contact her at the town office.
“If they want to call me with their email I can put it in, because what is going to happen is when you initially sign up you get a welcome email,” said Bradbury. “If you didn't sign up for this you can just delete or people can unsubscribe at any time. It gives them that opt-out option as well.”
For more information about Innisfail Volunteer Connection call Bradbury at the town office at 403-227-3376 or email her at [email protected]
"The primary thing is to put the two pieces together so they can connect with one another. Registration is very simple."
