Richmond Hill - August 23, 2009
BY ADAM MC LEAN, yorkregion.com
Helpmate facing funding free fall
For 37 years, residents of Richmond Hill and the surrounding area have often leaned on the support of Helpmate.
Whether residents needed help finding a doctor who was accepting new patients, places of worship, information regarding social clubs, were interested in volunteer opportunities or even in need of counselling for sexual assault, abuse or family problems, they would often turn to Helpmate.
All this could change by the end of the calendar year though, as this month representatives from the community information and volunteer bureau service hope to remind town councillors of their value and plead their case for continued town funding.
That town funding adds up to $75,000 in 2009, which according to Helpmate executive director Alfred Lam, is nearly three quarters of the group's yearly operating budget.
The current status of town funding is set to be reviewed by council and town staff once council doors re-open Sept. 14 from summer break. Fears are that Helpmate may lose financial support from its largest backer.
The town funding provided to Helpmate has been on shaky ground for more than 12 months. Last spring Mr. Lam and his colleagues were informed by town officials that funding for Helpmate would be discontinued by the end of 2008, he said.
Following pleas by Helpmate to town officials to reconsider the decision, Mr. Lam says Helpmate's funding case was extended to the end of 2009, with the issue to be revisited before Dec. 31 of this year.
If town funding is discontinued for 2010, Mr. Lam acknowledges the loss could very well cripple Helpmate to the point of extinction.
He points out that would have a lasting ripple effect across the town and over the daily lives of residents who make 10,000 general services inquiries to Helpmate each year.
Helpmate also makes 2,000 volunteer assignments to more than 170 different community agencies each year, such as Big Brothers and Sisters, Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank.
The Helpmate website has also received more than one million hits in the last year.
Mr. Lam worries that these impressive numbers demonstrating community need and service through Helpmate are not fully known inside council chambers.
"I don't think that there is much awareness of what we do," Mr. Lam said.
"The fact that the town is even considering cutting funding is a clear indication of that, but we are trying to be more active at events held by councillors to let them know exactly what and just how much we do for the community," he added.
One politician who says he knows the value of Helpmate first hand is Richmond Hill Liberal MP Bryon Wilfert.
Mr. Wilfert has occupied a seat on Helpmate's board of directors for the last 25 years and he admits that the loss of Helpmate would be a heavy blow to Richmond Hill's social landscape.
"You can get assistance looking for anything from a doctor to a daycare, Helpmate offers some essential assistance. We have had a great relationship with the town of Richmond Hill and I believe the services offered by Helpmate follows the town's social mandate. This makes our community unique and I have stayed on the board for so long because I really believe in the services offered," he said.
"If the town had to do what Helpmate does, it would cost them more than what they donate now and considering the size of their budget, $75,000 is peanuts. But the end decision isn't up to me," Mr. Wilfert added.
The decision rests with town council. It's a decision which Mr. Lam hopes he has influenced by ensuring Helpmate representatives have been present at Heritage Village Day and Canada Day celebrations over the summer, to name a few community events, further illustrating what he sees as the importance of Helpmate.
"I wouldn't say I am overly confident at this point, but I am hopeful. I have spoken to councillors at these various events and they say they are appreciative of what we do. Still, the outcome is hard to say right now. Hopefully we truly see that appreciation," Mr. Lam said.
Mayor Dave Barrow says that the end of the year won't necessarily bring the demise of Helpmate, but it is a matter of gauging whether or not the service is still worth the investment.
"We have made repeated requests for Mr. Lam to present a business plan to us illustrating what it is they do, so that they are accountable to the funding they receive," said Mr. Barrow, who in May cut the ribbon at the new Helpmate location at the True Blue and Orange facility.
"It's about measuring their level of benefit to the town and if other existing services can offer the same results. We have waited for this business plan since last year and it seems like they are waiting for the bitter end, but I am eager to hear what they have to say," he added.
For more information or to contact Helpmate, visit www.inforichmondhill.org or call 905-884-3000.
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