Stephen Bourdeau is breathing a sigh of relief after learning the very last volunteer spot has been filled for the upcoming Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games in St. Albert.
Up until a few weeks ago, the games manager still needed to sign up 200 volunteers to round out 800 spots. Organizers reached their targets over the weekend.
"It's very good news," Bourdeau said, adding most of these volunteers were needed in food preparation and serving for the meal services.
Apart from the response from the general public, he said local organizations also put their names forward. With that, he gave a huge thanks to the Lions Club and the Rotary Club of St. Albert as well as the organizing committee from the 2012 Alberta Special Olympics.
This means the last pieces have fallen into place before the city plays host to the 1,100 athletes and 300 guests from communities all across the province Feb. 24 to 27.
Bourdeau said the only real volunteers left are the ones who need to cheer on the participants.
"It's important for people to realize that … all of our activities and sports are open to the public. No tickets required. People are welcome and encouraged to come down and cheer on Alberta's best. They can portray that wonderful St. Albert hospitality that we're known for."
He personally intends on catching every event himself.
"I want to go see how competitive these bridge players get. They've got quite the reputation that follow them," he laughed. "I want to make sure I'm there in case any fistfights break out."
The Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games will feature a dozen different events including cross-country skiing, curling and darts. For more information, visit www.st-albert55plusgames.ca.
Firefighter campaign heats up
A full week before St. Albert firefighters even get up on the roof of fire station No. 2 they have already reached the half-way mark.
The campaign to benefit Muscular Dystrophy Canada brought in more than $8,300 just from last weekend alone, with organizer Kathi Sheedy already seeing the $15,000 finish line in sight.
"I just couldn't believe it," she said of the early totals that have come in. "The enthusiasm is there. Everyone is just coming together."
The local emergency dispatcher organized a series of events to help out the Gatt family that has two young boys both afflicted with the disease, which wastes and weakens their muscles.
Today after 4:30 p.m., 11 uniformed firefighters will be serving customers at East Side Mario's, with all tips donated to the charity. A firefighter auction is also in the works, though no details are available.
The main event is the Muscular Dystrophy Campout. It takes place from Feb. 22 to 25.
To learn more about the disease or donate to the cause, visit www.muscle.ca.
