Highland Games Urgently Seek Volunteers

Sent on behalf of the BC Highland Games Committee

To the Scottish Community of Greater Vancouver:

After a continuous 130-year existence, The BC Highland Games is threatened with extinction. Two key factors contribute to this distinct risk.

LACK OF VOLUNTEERS and risk to our financial backer the United Scottish Cultural Society. In order for the games to continue and provide the pre-eminent venue in Western Canada for the furthering of competitive Piping, Dancing, and Bands, WE NEED HELP.

Take your hand off your wallet! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS

In the past two years, a key group of dedicated volunteers have either retired from active participation or reduced their participation in the organization of the event. Many of these people contributed hundreds of hours individually and collectively and their donation of time is immeasurable. We thank them sincerely for their contribution.

NOW WE NEED NEW BLOOD!

In order to continue we need to fill several key positions on our Organizing Committee:

* Finance/Accounting manager
* Sponsorship/Sales
* Public & Media Relations manager
* Volunteer coordinator
* Webmaster

These key positions MUST be filled before the organizing committee will even contemplate moving towards developing a plan for 2012. Contact one of the continuing Organizing Committee Members below AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to volunteer.

The estimated time commitment for the open positions varies, however 10 hours per month is realistic for February through May and likely 15 to 20 in June depending upon the job. This amounts to about 2 1/2 hours a week and about 4 hours a week in June.

Additionally, we need volunteers to assist with less time intensive roles such as:

* Parking and traffic coordination
* Signage/program production (a printing background would be good)
* VIP coordinator
* Ticket manager

WE ALSO NEED 50 TO 75 VOLUNTEERS ON THE DAY OF THE GAMES.

If you know someone in Grade 11 or Grade 12, and if volunteer hours are still a requirement for graduation, this would be a fantastic way of earning some of those valuable volunteer hours.

We presently have a group of four Organizing Committee Members, which is insufficient to pull off this event. If you are committed to the continuation of this 130 year history, please contact Jim Bain (604-435-0764) or Glenna Urbshadt (604-224-5479).

We appreciate your serious consideration of our request and look forward to hearing from many of you.

Sincerely,
Jim Bain
Glenna Urbshadt
Joan Drabyk
Donald Ross