Eight months away from the main event, the Banff/Canmore Alberta Winter Games organizing committee kicked off its volunteer recruitment drive and fundraising push on Wednesday and Thursday (May 22-23).
About 80 members of the Banff and Canmore business and sport communities came out for the event, which was music to the ears of Games chairman Bob Ellard.
“Quite frankly, we need the business community, because without them, these Games won’t be the success we’re planning,” said Ellard. “The initial support is encouraging to see as companies come out and say ‘this is important to us’.”
Organizers surmise the event will draw 2,800 athletes, coaches, officials and performers, and will require up to 3,000 volunteers. That will be a lofty goal for Canmore and Banff, and will require one in every 10 Bow Valley residents to lend their time to the Games. The payoff is expected to be a $2.5 million economic impact for the two communities.
“The biggest challenge will be to bring together all the volunteers. We will need in excess of 2,000 volunteers and, with our population base, it will be difficult recruiting that many people,” Ellard said. “Raising the necessary corporate support will also be necessary. There are challenges, but none are too difficult.”
Corporate support received a huge boost when ATCO gas donated $50,000 to the games on Thursday, while the Bow Valley Waste Commission donated $70,000 in equipment and recycling.
Ken Davies will run the Friends of the Games fundraising branch. On top of seeking corporate donations, the group is selling tickets for a $500 dinner with Olympians fundraiser.
Alpine skier Thomas Grandi and cross-country Olympic silver medallist Sara Renner will host ticket holders at the Juniper Hotel and Bistro in Banff and Paintbox Lodge in Canmore.
Media spokeswoman Donna Cunnin said both communities are rallying around the event.
“Everyone is embracing the challenges. The board is very accomplished and people will see this is a very classy event. Everyone is trying to reach their peak,” Cunnin said.
Ellard says both communities are working hard to make the event a success.
“This is a huge endeavour. It’s the largest joint venture between the two communities. I think the business community will realize what’s good for the Valley is good for their business and they can donate with cash or services.
“We’ve locked down most of the sport venues. We’ve got agreements in place. We’ve got the athletes village locked down, we know what we’re going to feed the athletes. The logistics are there. Now we have to backfill them with corporate donations and volunteers,” Ellard said.
