It’s less than a month until the start of the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games and local organizers are not just counting down the days. They’re also counting the number of volunteers signed up to run a smooth operation.
With an initial target of acquiring 800 helpers, there are still plenty of spots that need to be filled, said games manager Stephen Bourdeau.
“It’s that last 200 volunteers which are always the struggle,” Bourdeau said. “We’re heading towards the wire.”
He should know. Bourdeau has been involved with organizing other community events in St. Albert throughout his career.
Right now, the main volunteer shortfall lies in the food services section. People are needed to bus tables, bartend and help with food preparation for the meals. Lunch and dinner will be served each day for the expected 1,100 athletes and 300 guests, plus breakfast on the Sunday of the games. The two field houses at Servus Credit Union Place will be converted into cafeteria areas.
“[There’s] a lot of people that we need to feed, and so we need a lot of help,” Bourdeau said. “We need about 40 people for every meal and, unfortunately, that’s what we’ve been lacking.”
Bourdeau has pulled all the stops in the search for volunteers, approaching community groups, service clubs and high schools. The original goal was to have all volunteers in place before a volunteer rally on Feb. 11 and 12.
Organizers will accept volunteer applications after the rally, however he said they cannot accommodate last-minute registrations because each volunteer needs to go through training, orientation and accreditation for security purposes.
Even though the clock is ticking, Bourdeau says he’s remained calm.
“I sleep pretty good at night,” he laughed. “I know it always comes down to the wire … but I’ve never had a problem with volunteers coming through. This community has always stepped up.”
In a pinch, he has a backup plan.
“I owe a lot of favours with my groups of friends and family. I always keep them on the sidelines. I don’t sign them up at the beginning. I always wait to see what needs to happen at the end.”
Volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years and sign up for at least eight hours of work such as two four-hour shifts.
For more information about volunteer positions with the games, phone the head office at 780-458-4564 or call the Community Information and Volunteer Centre at 780-459-6666. Interested parties can apply online at www.st-albert55plusgames.ca/volunteer.aspx or in person at 25 Sir Winston Churchill Ave.
