Since the People Information Network (PIN) ceased operations in March, its volunteer portal to connect organizations and volunteers now falls into the hands of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“It’s an important legacy,” said Janet Kaufman, PIN board chair. “It’s a service that we know has been valued by not-for-profits in the city of Guelph.”
United Way plans to relaunch the portal ahead of Sept. 1.
The transfer of the portal was announced at PIN’s final annual general meeting (AGM) last week.
The volunteer portal hasn't been running on PIN’s website since it folded in March.
An organization reached out to PIN since the portal has become unavailable; it saw a significant decline in the number of applications and inquiries about volunteering it was receiving, said Kaufman.
The news about United Way running the portal was well received by not-for-profits and PIN members present at the AGM, she said.
Organizations and PIN members part of the portal were asked by PIN if they would like to remain in the portal when United Way takes it over. The organizations have until July 5 to decide.
“We’re optimistic and hopeful that this transfer of that portal will allow for the service that had existed for the last number of years to continue,” said Kaufman.
Along with the portal, educational materials about volunteering and volunteer management developed by PIN will be transferred. The videos and presentations will be administered by United Way.
“PIN’s work in our community over the past 20 years has been the backbone of many of our community partners who rely on volunteers to assist with operations and delivering critical services in the community,” said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, in a press release.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide this great resource to build the capacity of community partners. The portal also helps build community wellbeing and a sense of belonging by providing a central place for community members to find out more about getting involved and giving back,” Banda said.
PIN is working the next couple of months to dissolve the corporation. There are other programs PIN created and the network is searching to give them to other organizations, Kaufman said.
The volunteer portal was the key service offered when PIN was known as The Volunteer Centre of Guelph and Wellington County. “I think it probably is one of the factors that has contributed to such a strong volunteer community in Guelph and beyond,” said Kaufman.
