Causeway volunteers vote for independence

AT an Extraordinary General Meeting of Causeway Volunteer Centre in West Bann Bertie Peacock Centre last Wednesday volunteers and voluntary organisations were told of a proposed merger for volunteer centres to come under the umbrella of a new organisation, 'Volunteering NI'.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Feb 2010, 10:05 BST

Updated 11th Feb 2010, 16:30 BST

Causeway Volunteer Centre gave a presentation explaining the benefits of a merger or remaining independent.

Benefits included marketing and corporate PR, sustainability, strengthening local services and providing value for money.

Concerns were raised about the loss of a valuable local service as Causeway Volunteer Centre has a good reputation in the area. The loss of a local voice and a local committee also caused consternation.

The consensus of opinion saw the losses to Causeway as too great and members voted unanimously against the merger. Causeway Volunteer Centre will remain open for business as an independent centre and will apply to Department of Social Development for 12 months funding this week.

Causeway Management Committee thanked everyone for attending.

Benefits