There’s a Volunteer-A-Thon hosted at the Prince George Canadian Tire Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the goal of signing up at least 500 volunteers during those hours for the BC Summer Games taking place July 21 to 24 in Prince George where 3,000 athletes will compete in 31 sports.
There’s prizes to be won for anyone who registers to volunteer tomorrow and the time obligation is minimal - four hours is all the committee is asking of a person and the volunteer gets a free T-shirt too and an appreciation barbecue on the Monday following the Games.
The call is out for hosts who basically point people in the right direction at an event, there's a need for people just to be at fun events at the university's Sport Centre on the Friday and Saturday of the Games where athletes can enjoy themselves. For those who like to drive they can help that way, getting athletes to and fro.
There's a call out for the food department because feeding 3,000 people is a lot and some food prep people would be most welcome. There's also a need for traffic control and maybe if you're bossy that might be the perfect job for you! Others with strong backs who can pick up people's luggage and get it to the school where the athletes and coaches will be staying for the duration would be so helpful.
Tracy James, director of participant and volunteer services, thinks any of these and other volunteer positions would be great for high school students to fulfill their leadership and graduation requirements and those students will get documentation to hand in as proof of their volunteer hours.
“Prince George is the volunteer city, and we know that our community will once again come together to make this event a success,” Renee McCloskey, president of the BC Summer Games committee, said. “We are so grateful for everyone who has registered to date, and for our many volunteers who have been working for over a year now. There is no more time to wait, now is the time to register to volunteer.”
About 2,400 more volunteers are needed in a variety of volunteer positions like those mentioned above and more.
“We are inviting the community to join us at Canadian Tire to ask their questions, learn more about the variety of opportunities for individuals, families, and groups; and ultimately to sign up to support the Games,” James said.
“There is a role for everyone. Even one (four-hour) shift during the four-day event is incredibly beneficial.”
All volunteers must register online. Registration can be completed anytime. To register and for more information visit www.bcgames.org.
