Volunteer opportunities open up every day, some serious and specialized while others are more fun than work.
In the latter group, the International Children’s Festival of the Arts is looking for 600 volunteers for its next run, May 30 to June 4.
For the past 35 years, thousands of arts festival lovers have dedicated their time and talents to make the children’s festival possible. It is no small feat as their commitment makes access to some incredible family entertainment feasible.
The children’s festival is looking to fill a variety of roles. They include positions on the green team, selling merchandise, registration, security, driving golf carts, and as activity assistants on crafts, art and music projects.
Team leaders as well as site crew for the festival setup and takedown are also needed. Teenagers 12 to 17 are welcome to apply for the Youth Ambassador Program where they can be posted in a single area or in volley positions introducing shows, helping run the CN model train, operating information tents or taking tickets.
“They are absolutely integral to our festival,” says Sarah Feutl, festival volunteer coordinator.
As a long-time volunteer on both sides of the fence, Feutl has offered her talents at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, Fort Edmonton Park and Boyle Street Community Services as well as coordinating volunteers at the theatrical Found Festival.
This is Feutl’s first year with the children’s festival, and she is drawing on decades of experience to not only keep events moving fluidly, but also accommodating volunteers’ needs.
“My number one expectation is that people do their duties to the best of their abilities and help cultivate a magical experience for everybody who attends the festival,” Feutl says.
Since the festival has expanded to six days from its traditional five-day format, one of Feutl’s challenges is to attract enough volunteers.
“Previously we had half-day shifts. We’re now asking volunteers to commit full-day shifts of six hours.”
In return volunteers receive a hot-pink festival T-shirt, food and water, and tokens at the end of each shift.
“They provide different perks – entrance to site activities, feature performances, discounts at participating vendors. And on Sunday we have a wrap-up party for all volunteers with free food and prizes.”
Volunteers can register online at stalbert.ca/exp/childfest.
There is also a volunteer orientation session where the public is encouraged to ask questions and fill out applications. Four sessions will take place on Tuesday, May 16 and Wednesday, May 17 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the St. Albert Curling Club, 3 Taché St.
“Volunteering provides great satisfaction. You know you are contributing to something special, and it would not happen if we had to pay people. It’s about contributing to something greater than oneself and making a difference.”
