They bring people together, support our youth and elderly, schools, sports organizations, community events and more, and they’re good for the local economy in the process. They are service clubs and non-profit organizations. Every small town has them, relies on them, and has for decades.
The funds that . . .
service clubs and non-profits raise and donate are usually recirculated back into the community Children, seniors, physically challenged people, even feral felines have benefited from the work and donations that come from the volunteer members that make up these clubs and organizations.
Since the pandemic hit, some have found it challenging to continue operations. Many have considered closure. Several have had to suspend operations altogether. Fortunately, many have been able to adapt by shifting their events online, with great success. Some clubs have teamed up with others to find creative and innovative ways to continue to serve their communities.
While many hands make light work, many minds can find profitable ways to stay alive until life gets fully back to normal.
At some point in our lives, we have all benefited from these clubs and organizations. Directly or indirectly, through our children, our parents or grand-parents, someone in our family has benefited or will benefit. Most of the events and services we enjoy are thanks to staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make our communities better places to raise our families. We need to nurture these clubs like an eco-system, an interconnected system that ties us all together.
Like all of us, service clubs and non-profits have rent to pay, along with utilities and other expenses to cover, while still trying to fulfill their mandates to serve their communities. Some organizations are dealing with a higher demand while they struggle with staff and volunteer shortages, adding increased stress on their employee and volunteer base. With a higher demand for services, so comes the higher demand for staff.
So, one question remains. What can we do for our service clubs and organizations that have done so much for us?
We can step up to the plate and become members and volunteers. We can do our part to ensure future services and donations are a reality for many years to come. The survival of these clubs and organizations will depend on the next generation, and the generation after that.
For some people, there is nothing more rewarding than lending a hand to someone in need. What about you?
Katherine Hynes
