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Volunteer Richmond Information Services (VRIS) has been contracted by the City of Richmond to recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers at Richmond’s “2010-related events” leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games (February 12 – 28, 2010). These events include: the Oval Opening, Winterfest Weekend ’09, Torch Relay, the “O Zone” and more.
The program is supported by Coast Capital Savings and other community partners.
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| How old do you have to be to volunteer? |
| Volunteers must be at least 15 years old to volunteer on their own. Anyone 12 to 14 may volunteer alongside a parent or adult (19+ years). |
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| Do you accept group and family volunteers? |
Yes! We accept both groups (4 or more) and families wanting to volunteer together. All members of groups and families must meet the age requirements and complete the standard screening process.
Group and family volunteers must select these categories on their application form and include their group name so we can identify all the members and schedule them together. |
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| What are the steps in the screening process? |
- Go to www.volunteerrichmond.ca to complete a volunteer application form (click on the “snowflake” button)
- Attend a 30 minute interview at Volunteer Richmond’s office, #190 – 7000 Minoru Blvd. (Caring Place), complete program paperwork and have your photo taken for your ID badge.
- Complete a criminal record check.
- Provide two references to be contacted.
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| How do I know when I am accepted into the program? |
| You will receive a welcome aboard phone call or email. At that time you will also be invited to attend Basic Orientation (2 hours) and receive email notification about upcoming volunteer opportunities. |
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| How do I sign up to volunteer? |
| You will receive an email invite to volunteer at upcoming events and activities with instructions about how to apply for that opportunity. |
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| Do I have to have an email address? |
| No, but it is strongly encouraged. Without an email address, you will miss important updates, invitations to volunteer etc. and will not be able to fully participate in the program. |
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| What events can I volunteer at? What will I do as a volunteer? |
| You will be invited to volunteer at events such as Winterfest, Speed Skating Championships, Torch Relay and O Zone. Event volunteers help with activities such as: entertainment, programs, parking, greeting, VIP services, hospitality, and kids activities. Leadership opportunities are available. |
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| Will I be able to volunteer in-between events? |
| Yes! Volunteers are also needed to help with interviewing, screening, training, and event planning throughout the year. You will also receive invitations to volunteer at the Richmond Olympic Oval as an event ambassador, tour guide or school programs leader. |
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| How much time do I have to commit to volunteering? |
| Time commitments vary by role and event/activity. Generally the minimum is two 4-hour shifts for a 2-3 day event or a minimum of 40 hours for ongoing activities (example: one 3-hour shift, once a week). In order to volunteer at the Richmond O Zone, volunteers must commit to volunteering a total of 48 hours over the 17 days of the Games (Feb 12 – 28, 2010). |
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| What are some of the benefits of volunteering with this program? |
| You will play an integral role in creating a memorable 2010 experience for people visiting the Richmond O Zone celebration site. It’s also an opportunity to give back and showcase your community to the world. You will meet new people, gain new skills and cherish the memory of being part of a once-in-a-lifetime event long after it’s over. Keepsake uniforms, refreshments while volunteering and recognition activities are some other benefits. |
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| What type of training will I receive? |
| Once accepted into the program, all volunteers are invited to attend a Basic Orientation session. At this session, volunteers receive more information about the program and some basic training in customer service at special events. Training requirements vary by event/ activity and role. Generally speaking, for each event you will also have to attend Site Orientation and job-specific training. |
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| Is this the same as the official Olympic program run by VANOC? |
| No. This program is for volunteers who want to assist at 2010-related events organized by the City of Richmond leading up to and during 2010. During the Games, volunteers with this program will be assisting in the “Urban Domain” at the O Zone festivities in Minoru Park, not at the speed skating events at the Richmond Olympic Oval (VANOC). |
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| How can I get more information about the program? |
| Call 604-279-7020, email applyfor2010@volunteerrichmond.ca |
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