The 91原创 Chamber of Community Services aims to help strengthen partnerships of non-profit organizations in the community through its first event, speed dating. 

鈥淪peed Dating for Organizations鈥� will be held on Tuesday, April 5 and offers non-profit agencies a chance to network and learn more about other programs and services in 91原创.

鈥淚t鈥檚 to encourage relationships and to encourage sharing of resources in a fun and informal setting鈥� said Dave Stark, executive director of 91原创 Meals on Wheels Services Society and creator of the event. 

Like real speed dating, the event will have 40 participants  meet in five-minute 鈥渄ates鈥� to share information about their organization. 

Stark says making new professional relationships is very similar to personal relationships. Not everyone has the confidence to meet new people. 

鈥淭he way I work is very relational. I understand that the best way to get the most efficient use of your resources, dollars and services is to partner. And not everyone works like me,鈥� he said. 

The Chamber of Community Services is a new and developing framework for the non-profit sector, similar in structure to the Chamber of Commerce. Its services will be open to more than 500 charitable and volunteer groups in 91原创.

Ultimately, Stark hopes the organization will be a central place where people can find information regarding community services and volunteer work in 91原创. 

鈥淭he Chamber has never been done before at a local level like this,鈥� said Stark. 

鈥淚 enjoy challenging the status quo. There鈥檚 different ways of doing things.鈥�

This first speed dating event will be a real test for the future of the Chamber of Community Services. Stark remains positive that the community will be responsive. 

鈥淚 sense this to be successful and I sense this to be a very good springboard and further introduction of this idea into 91原创,鈥� he said.  To register for Speed Dating for Organizations, email langleyccs@hotmail.com or for more info, contact Dave Stark,  604-807-0306, or dave_stark@shaw.ca.