National Volunteer Week 2021: The Value of One, The Power of Many

This week is National Volunteer Week for 2021, and Yorktown Family Services joins the rest of the country in celebrating the contributions of time, skill, dedication and passion that volunteers give the members of our communities. From fundraising initiatives, to mentoring youth, as well as volunteering on our Board of Directors, each volunteer has added to the reasons why Yorktown is the right place to go for so many of our clients.

The Value of One, The Power of Many is the theme for National Volunteer Week this year, and in that spirit we honour the valuable contributions of one particular individual: Lachlan MacQuarrie. Lachlan is a volunteer member of our Board of Directors, the chair of our Development Committee, and recipient of the Yorktown Family Services 2019-2020 Dan Goldberg Memorial Award.

The Dan Goldberg Memorial Award is presented to a Yorktown Family Services Board Member at our Annual General Meeting and Recognition Night, which we celebrated back on February 26th, 2021. Recipients of this award are recognized for providing outstanding voluntary community service to Yorktown Family Services and the members of our communities.

Lachlan MacQuarrie was introduced to Yorktown Family Services by long-time board member, Dori Mould.  Dori, always on the lookout for good people to connect to Yorktown, felt that Lachlan’s business sense and solution-focused approach would be a valuable asset to the agency.

Lachlan joined Yorktown’s board in January 2014 and a few short months later, he joined the Development Committee, a subcommittee of the board. “I was looking for the kind of organization where I could witness the positive changes that a charity brings to the community. Yorktown provides the opportunity to wear many hats and be involved in an array of experiences; you aren’t too far removed from the meaningful impact.

I get a lot of personal energy out of advancing initiatives. Whether it be fundraising, exploring strategic ideas, or solving a problem like restructuring.” In 2015, Lachlan invested his skills into chairing the Corporate Structure Committee (CSC), an ad hoc committee of the board. The CSC was tasked to evaluate and provide recommendations to the board regarding the risks/costs and benefits/opportunities of a possible amalgamation between Yorktown Family Services’ two pre-existing agencies, Yorktown Child and Family Centre and Yorktown Shelter for Women. The board unanimously voted in favour of the recommendation of the Corporate Structure Committee to amalgamate. On April 1, 2018, Yorktown Family Services officially came into being. As a result, Yorktown has realized a stronger foundation and an increased capacity for comprehensive service delivery.

As a charity, an on-going problem to be solved is closing the gap between expenses and revenues, also known as, the “fundraising target”. Lachlan saw this as a problem that could be tackled by brainstorming, strategy and teamsmanship. “Fundraising is a critical aspect of our business. There is so much we wouldn’t be able to do without fundraising. As a committee, our role isn’t with the day to day, Yorktown has that covered; it’s how we can augment and continue to build toward the future”. In 2015, Lachlan approached Salah Bachir, CEO of Cineplex Media and renowned philanthropist on behalf of Yorktown. Since that time Salah has been an amazing supporter, bridging lasting relationships with numerous generous and loyal donors.

Lachlan sites influence from Salah Bachir, who he credits with “pivoting my own strategy”. One barrier that most fundraisers face is making an ask for support. “Salah leads by example. He taught me that in the spirit of the organization that you are proud of, you can feel comfortable to ask. People can say ‘no’ and you don’t have to be offended or take it personally. It brought about a change in perspective that I have also used in my professional career.”

In 2017 Lachlan became the Development Committee Chair. Since then, Lachlan has leveraged a foundation grant for Yorktown, planned a fundraising event (in conjunction with Dori Mould), brought awareness and numerous supporters to Yorktown, and guided fundraising strategies.

When asked what he sees as his most significant contribution to Yorktown over his seven-year tenure, Lachlan feels that it is the conviction that he brings; that anything is possible. “We do have enough people that we can find our way into any level of conversation. The six degrees of separation is true. What differentiates organizations is whether people are willing to tap into their curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, step outside of their comfort zone, and push harder.

What I have enjoyed over the past seven years is the camaraderie and the challenges. For me, being a member of a board is as much about the journey as it is about the end. I have found energy from a team of people who are so incredibly passionate; from the board to the front-line staff. That’s what I really liked about Yorktown.”

Thank you, Lachlan, for all your hard work and dedication over the past years! Yorktown appreciates and values everything you have done for us and our clients!

What some of Lachlan’s fellow Board Members have to say about him:

“Lachlan has a great knowledge about Yorktown and his even-keeled approach to every topic offers great value to the board. Furthermore, the Development Committee benefits from, and depends on, his strength, knowledge and experience. He is a pleasure to work with!”     

Michael Zivot, President, Hinge Inc.

“Lachlan is a true champion for Yorktown Family Services! He has reached out to build awareness about the Agency, engaging many of his business associates and personal contacts in supporting Yorktown. They have attended events, donated substantially and worked with us to advance our fundraising activities. He has given generously of his time, skills and knowledge calling on his broad business experience to assist with strategic planning, finance, governance and development initiatives.  His intuitive nature causes us to reflect on our goals and ultimate outcomes. Lachlan’s leadership as Chair of our Development Committee has been much appreciated. His wonderful sense of humour and analytical skills have added greatly to our Board and committee meetings! Congratulations Lachlan!!!!!!”       

Dori Mould, Retired Public School Principal

“I have considered Lachlan a valuable board member and keen advocate for the agency.  He is happy to share.  I thoroughly enjoy some of his mentoring with saying’s like “nose’s in and fingers out” which has helped the board up its game.…and we are lucky to have him.”   

Lawrence (Larry) Biricz, President, BT Advisory

“Not until Lachlan has heard everyone speak will he then share his views on a subject which he does in a concise manner using his extensive knowledge and experience.  His views always add tremendous value and are important for all of us to hear. He is respectful of others, is always kind and shares his wonderful sense of humour.”     

Judy Huyer, Yorktown Family Services Board of Directors

“Lachlan is a very deserving recipient of the Dan Goldberg Award. He has served on the board for a number of years and has a passion for the work that Yorktown does for the community. He has provided his time, strong intellect, business acumen and balanced approach to challenge Yorktown to be the best it can be. He is always an eager participant in board meetings and committees and he has brought great success to the fundraising efforts of the board. Congratulations Lachlan!”   

Tom Arkell, CEO at Salon Communications Inc.

“Lachlan is a long-serving member on the Board of YFS and is a valuable contributor in terms of his time, knowledge and sharing his personal connections!” 

Wayne Dowers, Branch Manager, RBC

“Lachlan is an incredible ambassador of Yorktown, he goes out of his way to leverage his network and friends. This encompasses everything from helping find amazing honorees for our Tribute dinner to personally hosting fundraising events. His leadership on the Development Committee continues to ensure we are able to pivot and meet objectives.”     

Scarlett Swain, Product Management, Self-Directed Investing, Questrade Financial Group

To learn more about ways you can be a volunteer at Yorktown Family Services, you can visit our Volunteer Opportunities webpage.

To make a donation to Yorktown Family Services please visit our donation portal.