L'Arche Stratford invites community members to join the team.

L’Arche members are always willing to serve the community with smiles and positivity.

Being a corporate member at L’Arche means helping spread joy to all in the community. 

“We’re always looking for new community members to become involved in L’Arche. Our intent is to grow in the near future with the construction of our new building on 426 Britannia St. and develop our support services,” said Wendy Gray, fundraising leader at L’Arche Stratford. “Having more corporate members will help fill out this process, it gets more people involved in the community. 

“One of things that’s really done well is making sure the core members are a part of the greater Huron-Perth community,” said Gray. “They are supported to go to work, volunteer and participate in community events and activities and this is all done in a loving and caring environment.” 

To be a corporate member, applicants are required to possess the following criteria to apply. For one year, all applicants play a role of active support and commitment within the organization and attend volunteering opportunities around the community. They must share a friendship with one or more of the established L’Arche members and donate to the community. 

Gray, who has been involved in L’Arche for 13 months, finds the organization to be an overwhelming place of joy, where people can celebrate each other and their unique gifts which adds to enjoyment of everyone's company.

Accepted corporate members will have opportunities to volunteer for special events hosted by the organization such as the annual golf tournament and develop relationships which attributes to L'Arche overalls most rewarding experience

Gray says that the annual general meeting (AGM) gives members a time to reflect on the year’s activities. An analysis is done on all events, successes, challenges, along with a transparent view within financial operations. 

“Since 2021 the Ontario government has introduced a new class of membership for non-profits. This legislation commonly referred to as ONCA (Ontario Non-profit Corporation Act) required all non-profits including L’Arche Stratford to adjust their bylaws and create a membership category for voting members of the corporation. L’Arche Stratford is in the process of implementing this requirement before our next AGM in August,” said George Jansen, secretary of the board of directors at L’Arche. 

“We have worked and will continue to work to make this an inclusive process. We recognize that not all individuals will choose this level of membership but still wish to be involved in L’Arche Stratford. We remain grateful to all that take part in this important journey with us and welcome your ongoing contributions as part of our community.”

With the upcoming AGM in August and the continued extension plans, L’Arche is eager to welcome new voices and helping hands into its vibrant community. Becoming a corporate member is more than a title, it's about fostering, building meaningful relationships and contributing to a mission that’s built on compassion and community spirit.

The deadline to apply to become a L’Arche corporate member ends May 2.