A volunteer rally took place over the weekend for the upcoming BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge.
About 22 members of the organizing team were at locations across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows signing up volunteers, in addition to sparking interest from the community.
Sporting blue BC Summer Games jackets, recruiters were stationed at eight locations for the “Team Maple Ridge” drive including: Canadian Tire, Pitt Meadows Recreation Centre, BC Liquor Store at Meadowtown Shopping Centre, Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, Save-On-Foods and Shoppers Drug Mart at Westgate Shopping Centre, Save-On-Foods at 240 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road, and Bruce’s Country Market.
They answered questions about what roles are available for volunteers and where they can sign up online.
“It was great engaging with the community and getting the word out there,” said Heidi Einhorn, chair of the participant and volunteer services directorate for the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games Society.
Various volunteer roles include areas like: registration, accommodation, sport support, food services, logistics, special events, and more.
Organizers are aiming to get 2,500 volunteers for the games which will be taking place from July 17 to 21.
“Some folks had been waiting for the sign up link to be open and we’re excited to see us, others weren’t aware, but they are now,” noted Einhorn, who added a few people signed up on site, but more people have been signing up online since the weekend event.
A delegation from the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games Society attended the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games, which ended recently, in order to learn more about hosting a large multi-sports event.
READ MORE: Maple Ridge BC Games team visits Lhtako Quesnel event
“What we saw in Quesnel was how the energy, expertise and enthusiasm of the volunteers helped ensure that the youth athletes and the coaches and officials had a first-rate competition,” said Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games Society president Laura Butler.
“As we visited venues and met with volunteers, we saw how people of different backgrounds and experience were working together to handle so many aspects of the Games,” noted Butler, adding how inspiring it was.
“I think that one of the big legacies of the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games will be this incredible family of volunteers in our community when the Games end,” she said.
To sign up for Team Maple Ridge go to: bcgames.org/games/bc-summer-games.
