​The approach to finding a solution to the challenge of viability for ArtHeart was to build on their existing volunteer program to provide it with the structure and resources that it lacked. Staff and board members noted that while ArtHeart had a small core group of volunteers, many volunteer only for a short time before moving on to other things. 

 

Significantly, volunteers had not been given any formal or ongoing recognition and training lacked consistency. Yet, the board estimated that the value of one volunteer hour was $24. (This is supported by a Volunteer Canada report that valued each volunteer hour in 2017 as $27). By successfully recruiting, retaining and recognizing volunteers, it was hoped that extra value could be brought to ArtHeart and staff resources could be freed up to better focus on fundraising, strategic planning, and core program development and delivery.

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