Mishall RehmanCFSO’s ninth annual Defence Community Family Appreciation Days is just weeks away and to make this highly-anticipated event a success PSP is currently looking for volunteers.
“This is a fun event, and very few events like this are free to have. To have an event of this magnitude be free for the community the only thing we ask is that some members of the community help us put it together,” said Michael McCarthy, manager corporate services, PSP, CFSU.
Expected to be the biggest event yet, this year families can look forward to numerous midway rides, ten bouncy castle stations, a giant ferris wheel, LAV rides, a camping area, and a food court.
This year’s theme is sports, and participants are encouraged to be as active as possible at the event. There will be an increased presence of sponsors from the athletic world, including Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and Ottawa Sports and Social Club.
As part of the theme, there will be a passport program this year for kids between the ages of four and fourteen. Children will visit participating kiosks, take part in a type of physical activity, and get a stamp on this year’s program, which will look like a Canadian passport.
“It’s going to be an opportunity for the younger people at the event to not just ride the ferris wheels and eat cotton candy, it’s going to actually have them looking to be a bit active and just seek out these different kiosks and stations,” added McCarthy.
For all of these exciting activities and the event as a whole, to be a success for all attendees, PSP is currently looking for close to 200 volunteers.
Individuals volunteering will get full access to the exhibits when off duty, a free meal, a commemorative t-shirt, and an opportunity to do some valuable community service.
The community service can be accredited for high school requirements, says McCarthy.
“We want to make sure they’re treated as well as possible. Really it’s an event that relies on volunteers, in a sense. So, we want to make sure they’re well taken care of,” commented McCarthy.
Volunteers can choose which station they would like to work at when signing up. The stations include: bouncy castle, climbing walls, crossing guard, face painting, front gate, information and main tent, parking, and volunteer lounge.
Community members are encouraged to volunteer as soon as possible so they can choose where they want to volunteer.
“We couldn’t possibly overstate how much we appreciate the help we get from the volunteers,” said McCarthy.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, attend the orientation on Wed. June 12 and complete one shift.
The Defence Community Family Appreciation Days will take place at Uplands and will start Friday, June 14 at 3 p.m. and run until 11 p.m. Then start again on Saturday 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The event is alcohol-free.
Parking is available between Croil Private and Breadner Blvd.
To volunteer, visit the CAF Connection website.
