Festivals in Waterloo Region Seek More Helping Hands

After the Cambridge Scottish Festival was canceled due to a shortage of volunteers, the president of the TD Kitchener Blues Fest has observed that younger people seem less interested in volunteering.

“Without the volunteers, there cannot be a festival. And that’s not a warning, that’s a fact,” said Peter Beacock, who serves as president of Blues Fest on a volunteer basis.

“It’s really, really difficult to get volunteers. And I think part of it is the fact that they just believe it’s going to happen and someone else will do it,” Beacock told .

Organizers for the Blues Fest are looking for about 100 more volunteers for their downtown event running from Aug. 6 to Aug. 9. They need help with various tasks like setting up chairs, serving drinks, and assisting attendees.

This issue isn’t unique; several festivals and events have struggled in both recent years and now to gather enough volunteers.

Spreading the word

The TD Kitchener Blues Fest hopes for better luck this time around, similar to what happened with organizers of the Ontario Summer Games who credited a shout-out on CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition for exceeding their volunteer needs.

The Ontario Summer Games will take place across 19 different locations in Waterloo region from July 30 to Aug. 2.

LISTEN | Ontario Summer Games needs volunteers:

The Morning Edition – K-W9:00Ontario Summer Games needs volunteers

The Ontario Summer Games will be hosted in Waterloo region and nearby areas later this month, welcoming hundreds of athletes from all over the province. Volunteers are essential for running the event. Allister Scorgie, director of sport hosting for Explore Waterloo Region, shares how people can lend a hand.

“We started Monday morning with just over 900 volunteers and as of today we hit 1,113 – exceeding our goal of 1,000,” said Allister Scorgie, director of sport hosting for Explore Waterloo Region.

The Ontario Summer Games will occur from July 30 to Aug. 2 at various spots around Waterloo region. Allister Scorgie mentions they want to place volunteers where they’ll succeed (Submitted by Wesley Austin).

Volunteer roles include time keepers, ball retrievers for soccer and volleyball games, and ensuring athletes receive their meals.

Evolving volunteer scene

The Cambridge Scottish Festival’s organizers announced its cancellation only two weeks before it was set to celebrate its milestone anniversary.

Volunteer Waterloo Region states that losing this festival is regrettable for both Cambridge and the whole Region of Waterloo.

In a statement given to , they noted there’s been a decline in volunteering trends locally as well as nationally.

“We are seeing more and more barriers come up to volunteering, mixed with a consistent lack of investment in creating and maintaining a volunteer base,” the statement said.

Volunteers at TD Kitchener Blues Fest help set up chairs and lighting while selling tickets and serving beer if they have Smart Serve (Gary Graves).

Why was this image included?

“In today’s volunteer landscape, even those reliable helpers face challenges due to rising costs, aging bodies and limited availability despite wanting to give back.”......

Volunteer Waterloo Region emphasizes that although canceling the Scottish festival paints a bleak picture for volunteering overall; some organizations adapt well by adjusting their strategies according to new circumstances regarding potential helpers’ availability or interests:.………….

A list waiting area

Guelph’s Hillside Festival mentioned its last struggle with low volunteer turnout occurred right after pandemic restrictions eased up last year during peak summer season when most festivals resumed operations:..

Soon after , Kate Johnston executive director informed us they’ve had such overwhelming interest from individuals wanting join hands-on experiences related arts culture activities offered within community gatherings–they actually created an official waitlist!

“I think one major benefit we offer is free access throughout entire weekend-long celebration alongside some light meals snacks provided as well beverages served periodically.” Johnston explained adding participants also pay minimal fees covering amenities associated providing services designed enhance enjoyment each attendee experience along way too!”..

Kate Johnson offers insight into incentive structures put together recruiting potential candidates successfully while managing expectations regarding future gatherings planned upcoming seasons ahead!.

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“Additional perks include camping opportunities overnight nearby island camping sites being available through event period!” she continued expressing gratitude towards hard-working teams getting involved making everything possible run smoothly without hiccups whatsoever!…!</! 5./……..
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