Volunteer Centre planning to refocus
The Banff Crag & Canyon – Local News
published: December, 21, 2010
By Larissa Barlow
With plans in place to turn the organization around and show its importance to the community, Banff Volunteer Centre executive director Katherine Topolniski is confident about their future in Banff.
Topolniski has had a trial by fire in her new position as the centre’s executive director. Her first day on the job was Nov. 22, when the centre presented to council at its pre-budget meeting, asking for a $5,000 increase to their usual $20,000 grant from the town.
A few weeks later, council slashed their funding in half, committing $10,000 to the organization while asking them to show their worth to the community.
Topolniski has taken the challenge in stride, and said to her, the Banff Volunteer Centre’s future isn’t unclear.
“I don’t want to say that because I feel very confident we’re going to be able to turn this around and make some pretty key changes,” she said. “Yes, the funding from the town is what it is, but we’re hopeful still for CIP (Community Initiatives Program) to come through.”
