Volunteer Time Worth $23.07 an Hour

Ever since the New Richmond Preservation Society was established in 1983, volunteer involvement has been one of its strongest assets. The original name, the New Richmond Preservation Society (NRPS) quickly became too unwieldy for everyday use and evolved into the “New Richmond Heritage Center”. But the enthusiastic participation of volunteers in the various necessary work areas of the Center never has changed. Work areas involve the management of the a large Flea Market which is a principal source of income, tours of the facility and grounds, school programs, and annual “Heritage Days,” and other special events.

Statistics for 2016 include 42 Flea Market volunteers putting in 8,150 hours of time; 8 participants in the St. Croix County Correctional Center Program (CIPs) at 227.5 hours, Community Service persons, 20 hours, and 8 NRHS volunteers at 214.5 hours. Figures were not kept this past year on the volunteers who assist with the very popular spring and fall school programs, or other tour guides, but could be an estimated 15 more volunteers.

A national non-profit organization estimates the “salary” of a volunteer in this donated work time at $23.07 an hour. This would make the work of the 42 Flea Market volunteers an estimated value to the Heritage Center of $18,802.50.

​It is difficult to properly offer sufficient thanks to all of these volunteers who contribute their free time and effort to make the Center a significant and continuing asset to the City of New Richmond. A heartfelt Thank You is offered to each one of them.