👐 The Power of Time: How Volunteers Fuel Children's Non-profit Programs
Volunteer time is the heartbeat of many not-for-profit programs. While donations and grants help keep the lights on, it’s the hands-on support from volunteers that brings these programs to life. Here's how giving time—not just money—makes a lasting impact:
💸 Cost Savings That Stretch Every Dollar
Labor without payroll: Volunteers fill roles that would otherwise require paid staff—mentors, tutors, event organizers, and more—allowing nonprofits to allocate funds directly to programming.
Operational support: From administrative tasks to technical support to fundraising initiates, volunteers reduce overhead costs, freeing up resources to keep programs more affordable and to put dollars where they can more beneficial to the children.
👧 Direct Impact on Children
Mentorship & guidance: Volunteers often serve as role models, offering emotional support, encouragement, and modeling actions/skills that children may not receive elsewhere.
Program delivery: Whether it’s reading circles, swim lessons, or art workshops, volunteers help run the actual activities that enrich kids’ lives.
Individual attention: With more adults present, children receive personalized support, boosting learning outcomes and emotional well-being.
🌱 Community Engagement & Growth
Broader reach: More volunteers mean more children served. Programs can expand into new neighborhoods or offer additional sessions.
Advocacy & awareness: Volunteers become ambassadors, spreading the word and attracting more support from the community.
Skill-sharing: Volunteers bring diverse talents—language skills, music, coding—that enhance the variety and quality of programming.
📈 Sustainability & Long-Term Success
Consistent support: Regular volunteers provide stability, helping programs run smoothly and reliably.
Feedback & innovation: Engaged volunteers often suggest improvements, helping nonprofits evolve and stay relevant.
Stronger donor appeal: Demonstrating active community involvement can attract more funding and partnerships.
In short, volunteer time isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. It turns good intentions into real-world impact, giving children access to opportunities, care, and experiences they might otherwise miss. Whether it’s one hour a week or a full summer of service, every moment counts.
LCSC is a not-for-profit which relies on the support of the membership to achieve seasonal goals of providing a valuable program and opportunity to the children and youth in and around Ladysmith and Chemainus. As part of our program each family is required to provide 5 credits of volunteer time throughout the season which is attributed to approximately $300. These credits are achieved through bottle drives, supporting at special events such as the Orca Splash, serving on a committee, organizing supplies, writing and delivering letters, or taking on a board position for the season. Unfulfilled volunteer credits are charged to the account at the end of the season at a prorated amount of approximately $60/outstanding credit. While money helps support operating costs volunteer hours are far more important and provide far more benefit to the club and the children. For more information about how to fulfill your volunteer commitment please check out the event tab on the website or email us at ladysmithchemainusorcas@gmail.com.