Festival volunteers creating a community

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This article was published 29/01/2018 (3023 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Karen San Filippo says volunteering at Festival du Voyageur is a wonderful way to celebrate a sense of community.

The St. Boniface resident is the volunteer co-ordinator at Festival, and this year more than 1,200 volunteers are expected to be involved with the 10-day winter festival, which will run from Feb. 16 to 25.  

San Filippo — who oversees the smooth running of volunteer operations and activities, and wears many different hats in the process — said new volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are always welcome, whether it’s adults, families, or students.

“It’s a great opportunity for some new Canadians who might want to take part in cultural activities in Winnipeg in the winter, as well as practice their French, and who might want to get some references,” San Filippo said, noting there are opportunities for bilingual, French-speaking, and English-speaking volunteers.

“It’s also a good opportunity for students who require volunteer hours, and they often love coming in groups. As well, some families have been coming out year after year, and as the kids get older, we now see them volunteering with their friends.”

In terms of being an annual cultural focal point in the province, San Filippo said, Festival gives individuals the opportunity to embrace winter in the heart of Winnipeg.

“We have a long, cold winter, but by the time we get to the end of Festival at the end of February, winter is already beginning to wind down, so it’s a great way for people to get out and enjoy it, especially if they’ve spent some of the coldest weeks of the year staying in front of the TV,” she said.

“The volunteers can warm up with hot food and drinks, and they’re a great group to work with and always interesting and interested. There’s also a fantastic volunteer party on the last Sunday. And if you love meeting new people and helping out others, it’s a perfect opportunity for you.”

According to heho.ca, volunteer benefits also include free Voyageur Park passes, a free Festival souvenir, free meals while on shift, a try-out shift for new volunteers, and flexible scheduling. There are a variety of positions available.

There will be several upcoming orientation sessions for new volunteers, and the chance for any volunteers to tour the park on Feb. 15 at 7:15 p.m., the day before Festival starts.

For more information, email San Filippo at volunteers@heho.ca or call her at 204-471-8877.