Major events are “go time” for communities that want to show off their volunteer spirit.
The Alberta Winter Games are coming to the Lakeland February 13 – 16, and they present an opportunity for local groups and individuals to step up, help out, and have fun.
Games manager Violet Lapointe says there are opportunities for volunteers to assist at the sports venues or to help with background roles. “There is a lot of opportunity around the sports, but we also have so many opportunities at some really critical areas for the participants, which is our food centres and admissions and parking and athletes’ villages,” she said.
“All of those little things behind the scenes is where we’re really lacking.”
Lapointe said there are openings for volunteers of all ability levels. If someone can’t offer more than a few hours or if they need to be sitting down, she has roles available.
“People can volunteer every day. Sometimes there’s four-hour shifts, sometimes there’s three-hour shifts, sometimes there’s eight-hour shifts if they want to be at a sport all day.
“If they’re only available one day, we’ll take the one day,” she said.
Besides the chance to be part of the Games’ excitement, volunteering offers teamwork and a social opportunity.
“It’s a great networking opportunity, and I think that that’s why especially it appeals to a lot of seniors,” Lapointe said. “It’s a chance to get out and meet some new people in the community, some people whose paths they wouldn’t normally cross.”
Individuals can sign up to help, or community groups can step up. Lapointe has roles for groups to fill as teams.
She is happy to hear from people with special skills to offer, but she says most of the roles don’t require any experience. Organizers will provide all the instructions, training, and support the volunteers need.
Things are coming up quickly, and Lapointe says the organization is ready to welcome the volunteers and get things organized.
“We start with volunteer rallies at the end of the month, and it’s a chance for people to come and pick up their volunteer gear, a little bit of swag, a small token of our appreciation, and maybe a couple snacks and a social opportunity to get to know some of the other volunteers,” she said.
“And then in the areas they’re working, they get to know people from all different backgrounds, some people that are new to town, some people that they wouldn’t normally rub elbows with.
“It’s a chance to have a fun time, cheer on the other athletes, and as a bonus, while they are not volunteering, they have free admission to watch any of the other activities as well,” she added. “So it’s a chance to take in the games and the excitement even outside of their volunteer opportunities.”