GUELPH – The People and Information Network (PIN) will officially cease operations next month.
At a special meeting on Feb. 23, PIN board members voted in support of a board recommendation to dissolve the organization, which for over two decades has connected the Guelph and Wellington County communities with volunteer opportunities, resources and services.
“PIN will cease normal operations on March 31,” states a Feb. 24 email from Janet Kaufman, chair of PIN’s board of directors.
“Formal dissolution will take place by July 31, once all financial commitments have been met.”
PIN officials first announced plans to close for good on Feb. 13.
“This is a tough time for non-profit organizations,” Kaufman stated at the time.
She noted that like many other non-profit organizations, PIN has struggled with funding shortfalls for several years.
Kaufman also noted volunteering has changed dramatically over the years.
Companies seeking volunteers often hire volunteer managers and people are more able to find volunteer opportunities online, reducing the need for services like those offered by PIN.
She added volunteering has also decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic hit almost three years ago, with people experiencing significant social changes and many concerned about potential health risks of volunteering.
“PIN’s board and staff remain passionate about the value of volunteering but we need to be realistic about our prospects,” Kaufman stated in the initial announcement.
PIN was created in 2001, the United Nations’ International Year of The Volunteer, and was originally known as The Volunteer Centre of Guelph-Wellington.
