In February of 2008, Peggy Lund (always observant),Volunteer Services, Community Living Newmarket/Aurora heard a call for volunteers at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The very next day, the application process began for Daisy, Ben, Sean and Jen (four people who have an intellectual disability and are supported by Community Living) and their support staff; Peggy (Volunteer Services), Larry (Past Executive Director), Sylvia (Supervisor, Residential Services), Bruce (Community Involvement) and Christine (Employment Specialist and Yours Truly) .
The volunteers were chosen because of their enthusiasm (wait until you see the upcoming videos!), work experience and interest in sports.
The volunteer process is a detailed, extensive application. Peggy remained diligent, making many phone calls to ensure that the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC)was aware of our application.
Peggy's perseverance paid off and our application was picked up by Lance from VANOC. In August, 2008 we received an email informing us that the volunteers were accepted with notice taken of requirements for accommodations in the workplace, the accommodations being job coaches and shift sharing.
In June 2009, Lance boarded a flight to Ontario to interview the volunteers personally and present us with our volunteer handbooks. We love Lance and can't wait to see him again! (see picture above, Lance is the only one wearing the fancy VANOC shirt, oh... and he is kneeling)
In August 2009 we received our positions and venue... Events Services, Canada Hockey Place! Did I already say "coveted event"?!
In amongst all these dates, applications and planning we fund raised! $20,000! A lofty goal, not to be undertaken by the faint of heart. Excited and with our target in sight, the group managed to raise the money. Thanks goes to so many (we will post an official list to thank everyone at a later date as we are still receiving gifts and donations from so many fantastic groups and individuals) and the support we have received has boosted group moral in those down times when we wondered if we could possibly achieve our objective.
Our objective has been achieved, thus the blog, and nine people are being escorted by the hospitable staff of Air Canada to possibly the greenest place in all of Canada for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. It's difficult not to be personally affected by the phrase "I Believe..."
