The Wembley and District Agricultural Society is rolling out a new cost-savings technique for facility users in hopes of maintaining affordable prices, while gaining volunteers for the society’s events.
The Ag Society’s “energy exchange” or “volunteer for dollars” initiative tackles two of the organization’s most significant hurdles- the society’s large overhead, and the desire for residents to have affordable, accessible recreation opportunities at the local level.
Richelle Lacoste, who spearheaded the project, explains the idea comes as a direct result of rising costs across the province; however, under the new volunteer system, facility access and rentals should help bridge the gap between the organization and those it serves.
“With growing costs of everything in and around Alberta, we noticed a lot of organizations were looking to help offset the costs of rentals and various bookings in their buildings,” she says. “We also share, obviously, a large overhead and also have a lack of volunteers for our own fundraising events, so we just tried to think of the best way for us to work hand in hand with other organizations in and around, and even families.”
Throughout the year, the Ag Society will post opportunities for volunteers to fill positions such as events, pub nights, the Winter Gala, or other community-based opportunities like ice control. Every hour of volunteering equates to a $25 credit to use within the rental space of the facility, which officials say could mean paying off a gym membership in as little as 12 hours.
The Ag society suggests opportunities for groups like hockey teams cleaning scuff marks off the boards and glass, but Lacoste says you don’t have to be an organization to reap the rewards of the offer.
“You don’t have to be a non-profit or a group in the community for us to try and do an energy exchange with you and put some money towards a rental or a booking,” she says. “We welcome any volunteerism and we put those funds towards whatever it was you were looking for.”
Individuals, groups, and organizations can sign up by contacting the Ag Society, and those who receive an energy exchange credit are asked to use it within one year of earning it.
