Wednesday, January 21, 2009

They want you - Organizers are looking to field an army of 6,000 volunteers for the 2009 Canada Summer Games

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=213196&sc=99

They want you
Organizers are looking to field an army of 6,000 volunteers
for the 2009 Canada Summer Games


Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, vice-president of volunteer services, and Charlie Curley, associate vice-president of volunteer services, display the volunteer “recruitometer” for the 2009 Canada Summer Games on P.E.I., Aug. 15-29. Also in the photo is Eddie, one of two Canada Games mascots.(Guardian photo by Dave Stewart)

Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, vice-president of volunteer services, and Charlie Curley, associate vice-president of volunteer services, display the volunteer “recruitometer” for the 2009 Canada Summer Games on P.E.I., Aug. 15-29. Also in the photo is Eddie, one of two Canada Games mascots.(Guardian photo by Dave Stewart)

DAVE STEWART
The Guardian

Islanders are being asked to dream big and chip in.

The 2009 Canada Games organizing committee is looking for thousands of volunteers to sign up and be a part of the provincewide event, Aug. 15-29.

“Pick something that you might like to do in your lifetime and here’s your opportunity,” Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, vice-president of volunteer services for the 2009 Canada Games, said in an interview following a recent press conference in Charlottetown.

“You do not have to have the skill set to volunteer in (any specific) area. We will train you.”

They are looking for 6,000 volunteers.

So far, they have 1,350 signed up.

The volunteer services division is responsible for the recruitment and recognition of the volunteers.

There will be giant “recruitometer” displays going up across the province to show how many volunteers have signed up and how many are still needed.

P.E.I. last hosted the Games during the winter of 1991, but the scope of the event this summer is much broader, taking in more of the province.

Joe Spriet, host society president, said they expect the Games to draw more than 10,000 visitors to the Island.

“People will be setting aside vacation time to come here,” Spriet said. “All of the volunteers who sign up will have a tremendous experience.”

Jason Cormier, representing Atlantic Lottery, said the gaming corporation is pumping in more than $1 million into the Games.

“Whether as a volunteer coach or a mentor at an after-school program, volunteers strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said Cormier, who doubles as the general manager of the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre.

Jenkins-Smith said anyone 14 years and older is welcome to volunteer.

“We have 30 different areas where they can (volunteer). Put in the amount of time you are able to commit and we’re pretty confident we can find something to fit your schedule.”

Islanders do not have to commit for the entire two-week schedule.

Volunteers will receive a uniform, two 2009 Canada Games official pins and several exclusive social events prior to the event.

Volunteers also get their own hospitality centres during the Games.

“The Canada Games is like many other major events, it cannot happen without volunteers. There is absolutely no way the Games could afford to pay 6,000 additional people to come out and run these Games.”

Jenkins-Smith said they want to have all volunteers in place by mid-July, allowing enough time for screening each individual.

The 30 to 40 days prior to the start of the Games will be used for training purposes.

“These next five months will be key to getting the numbers we really need,” said Jenkins-Smith.

(On the Net: www.2009canadagames.ca)

*****

2009 Canada Games volunteer services:

* 2009 Canada Games takes place on P.E.I. from Aug. 15-29.

* 6,000 volunteers needed. So far, 1,350 have signed up.

* Must be 14 years old on or before Aug. 15, 2009. Those under 18 must have parental consent.

* Must complete and pass an RCMP background check, as well as any other relevant security clearances to be considered for a volunteer role.

* Online application forms can be completed in about 15-20 minutes. Some information and documents you should have nearby to complete the form include e-mail address, CPR and/or First Aid certificate (if applicable), emergency contact information and driver's licence (if applicable).

* Volunteer applications available at all police and RCMP detachments across the province.

* Available jobs include administration, drivers, merchandise sales, IT support, security and much more.

* For more information, call 1-888-438-2009 or e-mail volunteer@2009canadagames.ca

* On the Net - www.2009canadagames.ca

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