Why volunteering matters

by Kris Olson, Newport Yacht Club
Across Canada, yacht clubs are navigating a familiar set of pressures: rising operating costs, aging infrastructure, shifting member expectations, and an increasing demand for professional-level amenities. In this environment, volunteer programs—once viewed as optional or informal—are re-emerging as a critical component of long-term club sustainability.

At Newport Yacht Club in Stoney Creek, Ontario, volunteering is not just about saving money or filling gaps. It is about creating social cohesion, developing future leaders, and fostering a sense of shared ownership that cannot be purchased through dues alone. Like any volunteer-driven model, however, it comes with both rewards and challenges. Building an engaging volunteer program requires intention, structure, and care. But when thoughtfully structured, volunteering becomes a strategic asset rather than an administrative burden. – Full report