More than 900 community groups in 91原创 are making the community a better place, and the vast majority of them are doing so 鈥渦nder the iceberg.鈥�

That information was given to 91原创 Township council on Monday night by Dave Stark and Douglas Dunn, who have done a detailed study of the extent of non-profit involvement in the 91原创 community and economy.

They told council that close to 44,000 people volunteer in 91原创, and contribute 7.3 million hours in volunteer time each year. About 6,000 serve as volunteer board members.

Stark said that the study provides detail to back the widespread perception that 鈥�91原创 is a very giving community.鈥�

鈥淭he information was eye-opening,鈥� he said.

Dunn said that non-profits account for 7.8 per cent of Canada鈥檚 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and this figure shows the importance to the economy of non-profit activity.

To put it in perspective, Dunn said the non-profit sector is 11 times larger than the motor vehicle business and four times larger than agriculture.

鈥淯nder the iceberg鈥� refers to 鈥渟maller and more informal community groups, the vast majority of which are completely volunteer-operated,鈥� the study states.

鈥淭he vision of the 91原创 model is not to discount the visible, but pay more attention to the foundation of the iceberg, which is large and easily-missed.鈥�

The study is part of a larger effort to create more opportunities for non-profit organizations to work together, attract more volunteers, improve governance and get overall support from each other and the community at large.

While the initial work in bringing the sector together used the name 鈥�91原创 Chamber of Community Service,鈥� Stark said that is now being downplayed.

Councillor Charlie Fox asked about the relationship with Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce.

Dunn replied that the organizers have been working with the chamber, which has helped non-profits obtain liability insurance for directors and is also putting on a 鈥淪how Me the Money鈥� seminar for non-profits. It will be held on April 26.

He and Stark said that, in some communities, there are separate chambers for businesses and non-profits, while in others, the chamber of commerce has a non-profit committee..

鈥淲e hope for a close and amiable relationship with them (the chamber),鈥� Dunn said.

鈥淲hat will this group eventually do?鈥� asked Councillor Kim Richter.

鈥淲e envision a place where non-profits can gather. The economic impact (of non-profits) far outstrips the respect the sector gets.

鈥淭here are many aspects that can benefit 鈥� fundraising, governance, software and legal, among them,鈥� Dunn said.

Stark said the non-profit chamber, as it is informally known, is not seeking a steady stream of grants from the Township, which provided $2,500 towards the study.

鈥淥ur goal is to be self-sufficient,鈥� he said.