Township of Manitouwadge Releases Volunteer Policy Contract

Volunteers work at Kiwissa Ski Centre in the off season; (front to back) Cody Osiecki, Lloyd White, Derek Labbée and Ed Hedderson. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

MANITOUWADGE, ON – As discussed at length during the council meeting of July 13th (Broadcast LIVE! on OntarioNewsNorth.com – review footage from meeting below) the Township of Manitouwadge now has a Volunteer Policy Contract, mandatory for any/all volunteers to sign when giving their time to the township or if they anticipate volunteering in the future.

The contract was necessary to protect both the volunteer and the municipality should an accident/incident occur while a volunteer is providing services/labour to the township whether it be for a special event like Canada Day or Frosty Days, at Kiwissa Ski Centre (brush cutting off season or as ski patrol during operating hours) or at the Municipal Golf Course. It will also aid in the creation of a ‘Volunteer Bank” which employees/staff at the township will b able to refer to shen Volunteers are needed.

Concerns were raised during the afforementioned council meting, when the Policy was reviewed, corrected and edited, regarding the potential for some people giving their names ready to be put to work, hoping for an immediate opportunity to volunteer and then becoming discouraged if they weren’t contacted for several months.  Council members and Raymond brainstormed this, altered the form accordingly and also planned other contigencies for how potential volunteers would be received/addressed to avoid any mis-communications regarding time lines or details of how their services/time would be used.

The form will also play an important role in the creation of a ‘volunteer database’ which will allow municipal staff to have at their disposal a list, when situations come up, like the current State of Emergency and hosting of evacuees for example, to refer as a starting point from which to build their volunteer workforce. Of course, the form clearly states that the availability of volunteers and their willingness to work will not take work from current township employees or other types of staff (students working through grants or special programs).

If you are ready to volunteer, wanting to give back to your community and contribute to it’s ongoing success, beautification or development, click on this link:

2011 MANITOUWADGE VOLUNTEER POLICY FORM

to print and fill out (or fill out and email) for submission to the township.  Those currently interested in volunteering related to the hosting of evacuees should submit their form to Treasurer/Deputy Clerk, Margaret Hartling at mhartling@manitouwadge.ca or bring it to the township office.  Willing volunteers can also contact Margaret for more information at 826-3227 ext.236

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