Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week recognizes unsung economic drivers in Timmins

The second annual Ontario Non-Profit Sector Appreciation week (Feb 13-17) wrapped up in Timmins with several success stories. Groups like the McIntyre Curling Club, the Timmins Film Society and the Mushkegowuk Council have all helped boost the local economy within the past week.

Those are just three of around one-hundred and eighty non-profit organizations that operate in Timmins and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) said their contributions are not recognized enough.

"We hear non-profit and we kind of roll our eyes and think of charity or they’re looking for volunteers again but ... their contributions address not only social issues but also drive the creative economy by bringing arts and culture and sports in our community," said Nicola Alexander, a TEDC community development coordinator.

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Ontario's non-profit sector employs nearly 850,000 people and contributes $6.5 billion to the economy. While the TEDC did not provide a breakdown for Timmins, one example that can be highlighted is from the National Curling Championships, hosted by the McIntyre Curling Club. Organizers said it brought in at least $4 million to the local economy with its weeklong event.

For the first time in its twenty-seven year history, the Timmins Film Society came close to selling out all six theatres at Imagine Cinemas. The non-profit organization brought in 'The Whale', starring Brendan Fraser who's been nominated for a 'best actor' Oscar. Society board member, Paul Charette said it was great of Imagine Cinemas to open on a Monday night to host the screening and as a result came within ninety-seven tickets of selling out that night.

“Some of the places around the area, they don’t have a theatre or they don’t have the movies that are coming here so they make a night out of it. I know a lot of people, that’s their outing," said Charette.

The TEDC is also a non-profit and Alexander said another thing people don't appreciate is how much employment many of the non-profits offer.

The TEDC employs approximately fifteen people and take for example, the Timmins and District Hospital and the Porcupine Health Unit–those too are non-profit organizations, employing more than 500 people combined.

Part of the work TEDC does is to make non-profits stronger.

“We help build capacity in the non-profit sector," said Alexander.

"We do offer governance training for non-profit boards (and) through the Municipal Accommodation Tax fund we’re also able to help non-profits in delivering events.”

Alexander told CTV News this particular week this year is also a chance to celebrate the first anniversary of the private Timmins Nonprofit Community Facebook group which allows non-profit leaders a safe space to share information and discuss challenges. It's facilitated and moderated by TEDC.

For more information on TEDC and the work they do, visit their Facebook page.