More volunteers needed for WHO conference

The clock is ticking . . .
With the 11th-annual World Health Organization Conference on Safe Communities less than two weeks away, volunteer co-ordinator Diane Maxey said she still needs more helping hands.
While the conference runs May 7-9, Maxey noted volunteers will be involved from Saturday, May 4 through to the end.
“We need volunteers, especially the men, for the set-up at the arena on the Saturday, probably between 8 a.m.-3 p.m.,” she said.
“Then, on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, we need volunteers just to be at the arena, not so much to clean up, because we have a cleanup crew, but just in case there’s little things to be done, like empty the garbage if it gets full,” added Maxey.
She said she’ll need at least five more people to help out at the community dinner Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m., and from 4-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 to help clear tables during “Culturama.”
Maxey also said she needs more tour guides and drivers, as well as some chaperones to help out at Sunny Cove Camp, where the youth delegates for a pre-conference will be staying Sunday through Thursday.
“The youth are between the ages of 18 and 29. The job really just consists of being responsible for a sheet with contact information on it if anything goes wrong,” she remarked, adding no trouble with things like alcohol are expected since the WHO conference is entirely “chem-free.”
Meanwhile, Maxey stressed anyone volunteering at the conference must get their photo I.D. taken as soon as possible. “It’s not a maybe, you must have it,” she remarked.
Volunteers can get their security badges this week and next at the Memorial Sports Centre. Hours are Monday and Wednesday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.), Tuesday and Thursday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Friday (9 a.m.-3 p.m.).
Maxey noted volunteers who may have signed up with her months ago, but have not heard from her, should contact her as soon as possible.
“It was difficult to contact the volunteers earlier because we didn’t know the specific times and jobs. We can get you set up now,” she said.
And for those who would like to contribute in a small way, anyone is welcome to donate small items such as soap and lotions to hospitality baskets, which will be located in the arena washrooms during the conference.
Anyone wishing to volunteer, or those who can help out in any other way, is asked to call Maxey at 274-7309.
In related news, Maxey said the WHO choir she’s organized is ready for the conference. The youth choir will perform at the opening ceremonies Tuesday, May 7 at 8 a.m. while both children and adults alike will take the stage at the community dinner that evening around 7 p.m.
The adult choir also will perform at the closing ceremonies Thursday, May 9, sometime between 3:30-5:30 p.m.