Volunteer for the Ottawa MS Walk
Please click the link below to go to the appropriate section:
If you have any questions about volunteering for the MS Walk, please contact Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext.235 or michelle.davis@mssociety.ca
The Ottawa MS Walk is just around the corner on Sunday, April 29, 2012. MS Walk volunteers ensure the success of this event - we couldn't do it without you!
To learn more about the MS Walk, please click here.
Volunteer Orientation
The Volunteer Orientation session will take place on Wednesday, April 18 th from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The session will be held at the Ottawa Chapter at 1826 Woodward Dr. There is lots of free parking at our location or take OC Transpo bus #156. If you have not already done so please RSVP your attendance. If you have submitted your application and you have not been assigned your volunteer position please contact us at info.ottawa@mssociety.ca or 613-728-1583 ext. 235.
All Check-in Runners and Check-in Volunteers MUST attend a manditory training session prior to the event.
This orientation is highly recommended for all new volunteers.
Event Day check-in
Please check-in on event day at the Volunteer table 15 minutes prior to your scheduled volunteer shift.
Under 18?
The MS Walk is a great way to complete your volunteer hour requirement for school or to get involved in a fun community event! Please ensure you have your parent or guardian complete the parental consent section of the volunteer application. If you are unable to submit the signed form electronically, you can submit your application form prior to this completion and bring your parental consent on either the orientation date or the first day of your volunteering shift.
Map of Location - View the map for parking and directions
Site Map: Word Doc PDF
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Everyone benefits from your generosity and commitment!
When you volunteer with the MS Society, you benefit not only yourself but also many others. Each MS Society volunteer plays a vital role in helping to achieve our mission. The many benefits of joining our team include:
- Support a cause that might have a special meaning to you or someone you know.
- Acquire new skill sets and use the ones that you already possess
- Discover something new about yourself and meet new and interesting people.
- Gain new perspectives on a variety of life issues.
- Make new personal contacts and friends.
- Build your resume or curriculum vitae. More and more jobs and other professional programs in University (i.e. medicine and grad school) require that you have many hours of volunteer time. Volunteering with the MS Society is a great way to acquire new skills and build your resume while still helping out in a genuine way
- Gain personal satisfaction.
- Give back to your community.
There are a variety of reasons why a person might want to volunteer with the MS Society, but even though a person’s reasons are individual, the results of their volunteerism are enjoyed by many.
All volunteers at the Ottawa MS Walk enjoy:
- a breakfast and lunch
- a great event volunteer t-shirt
- being part of an event that benefits the lives of many
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Below are the descriptions of the various volunteer jobs that may be available for the MS Walk. Please click volunteer job titles to view the complete description in PDF format.
Balloon Inflator 7:00 am – 10:00 am Full
You will be inflating helium balloons for the balloon release to signify the start of the Walk. Over 500 balloons will be released to float above our walkers as the start.
Barricades 6:45 am - 12:00 pm
You will be ensuring that vehicles do not enter the MS Walk area. Orange safety vest is provided. ** Must be 18 yrs or older
Breakfast 6:30 am -10:30 am Full
You will be getting the breakfast area ready for the walkers' arrival. Preparing and setting out food items for our walkers.
Check-in Runner 7:30 am - 10:30 am Full
Assist check-in volunteers with getting necessary t-shirts and Elite Feet Wear sizes etc. as walkers check-in.
Cheering Section 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Help send off and welcome back MS Walkers. Please bring any items you wish, such as noise makers, signs, pom-poms etc.
Floater 7:00 am -12:00 pm
Flexibility is your middle name! You will have the important task of filling in wherever necessary!
Garbage Patrol 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Full
Clearing off tables, picking up litter and replacing garbage bags to make the MS Walk clean and tidy!
Greeter 7:30 am - 10:30 am
These volunteers need to be outgoing and talkative as you will be greeting MS Walkers and Volunteers as they arrive at the site. You may also be assisting the walkers with any necessary paperwork prior to ckecing-in. You will be the first point of contact that can provide information, directions and answer questions.
Kid Area 7:30 am - 1:00 pm Full
Entertain the kids that attend the walk. There will products supplied to paint faces, crayons and pictures to colour, bingo games to play and balloons to blow up. Temporary tattoos may also be provided. Ensure the safety of all children in the kid's area.
Lunch 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Full
Help prepare and serve lunch and clean up.
MS Boutique 7:30 am-1:00 pm Full
Help sell MS merchandise and answer questions. You will be provided with a float and be able to accept cheques and credit cards
MS Office Pack-up (Friday) 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Help out at the MS Society Ottawa Chapter office. Sort and organize all the items for the Walk. Assist with loading all supplies onto the trucks.
MS Office Clean up (Monday) 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Assist with the organization and clean up of all items from the Ottawa MS Walk at the MS Society office. Organize items to stay at office, put them away, and load items into trucks that need to go to the off site location.
Parking 7:00 am - 10:30 am (18 + yrs)
Help direct MS Walkers to parking areas and traffic control in parking areas. You will be ensuring that only vehicles or authorized people will enter appropriate parking and drop-off areas. Orange safety vest is provided. ** Must be 18 yrs or older
Photographer 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Full
Capture the MS Walk digitally or on film. Take candid and portrait shots of volunteers, site and Walkers.
Event Prep: Mon April 23 to Thurs April 26 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Assist at the Ottawa Chapter office (1826 Woodward Dr.) the week prior to the Walk to get everything ready for the event. There are a number of jobs that need to be completed such as photocopying, packing, sorting, cleaning, lifting, etc. You will be contacted with more details.
Ramp Monitor 8:00 am – 12:00 am Full
Monitor the accessible ramp to ensure safe access for individuals using it.
Rest Stops 9:00 am -12:00 pm Full
Assisting at the two checkpoints along the route to ensure MS Walkers get drinks, snacks and information (map routes, where the washrooms are, etc)
Route Marshal 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Make sure the Walk route is safe, fun and no one gets lost! Support and cheer on participants by directing them along the course, advising of approaching hazards and forming a communications network.
Site set-up (Saturday, April 28) 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Full
Assist staff in setting up for the indoor portion of the event. This can include, but not limited to setting up tents, arranging tables and chairs, hanging banners and setting up event fencing. A staff member will be on-site to help you determine what needs to be done.
Site Set-up (Sunday, April 29) 6:00 am – 9:00 am
Assist staff to complete the final outdoor set up for the event. This can include, but not limited to setting up tents, arranging table and chairs, hanging banners, unloading food trucks. A staff member will be on-site to assign tasks.
Site Take Down (Sunday,April 29) 11:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Help tear down the walk site which can include but not limited to taking down tents, tables, chairs, banners, and picking up trash. Assist with loading of all supplies into trucks.
TeamMS Photographer 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Full
You will be helping to run our TeamMS table. Take pictures of registered teams and give team captains their TeamMS Thank You Gift. You will also be a key player in deciding which team will win Walk awards! Please bring your own camera.
Volunteer Check-in 11:00 am -2:00 pm Full
Check-in all volunteers and direct them to their assigned area. Give each volunteer their t-shirt, make sure they turn in the volunteer application/waiver form if applicable and answer any question volunteers have throughout the day. This location is also the lost and found area for the Walk.
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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Ottawa Chapter! Our event could not be a success without you.
Please download and submit the Ottawa MS Walk Volunteer Application
Microsoft Word version
PDF
You can submit your completed application by:
- email it to info.ottawa@mssociety.ca
- fax it to 613-728-0342
- mail it to:
MS Society, Ottawa Chapter
MS Walk Volunteer Application
1826 Woodward Dr
Ottawa, ON K2C 0P7
Under the age of 18?
The MS Walk is a great way to complete your volunteer hour requirement for school or to get involved in a fun community event! Please ensure you have your parent or guardian complete the parental consent section of the volunteer application. If you are unable to submit the signed form electronically, you can submit your application form prior to this completion and bring your parental consent on either the orientation date or the first day of your volunteering shift.
Please ensure that your application is submitted by April 13, 2012
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
What time does the MS Walk start?
What time should I arrive for my shift?
Where do I go when I arrive?
What do I get when I sign-in?
I am under 18 what do I need to bring?
If it rains or snows will the walk be cancelled?
Can I get volunteer hours for school?
What time does my position start?
Is there parking available?
I still have a question!
What time does the MS Walk start?
The walk starts at 10:00 am. Walkers start check-in at 8:00 am
What time should I arrive for my shift?
All volunteers need to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of their shift.
Where do I go when I arrive?
All volunteers must go to volunteer check-in as soon as they get to the site. Volunteer check-in will be located right inside the doors to your left. All volunteers must sign in and sign out.
What do I get when I sign-in?
You will receive your volunteer t-shirt and your name tag when you sign-in. You will also receive additional instructions for your position if necessary.
I am under 18. What do I need to bring?
All volunteers under 18 must submit a signed parental consent form prior to volunteering. This can be submitted ahead of time digitally, by fax or mail. Alternately, a signed form can be brought to the orientation evening or first volunteer shift. High school students also need to bring their form for signature for your volunteer hours.
If it rains or snows will the walk be cancelled?
No. The walk goes rain or shine. Please dress according to the weather.
If you are unable to attend on Walk day please call 613-407-1968.
Can I get volunteer hours for school?
Yes, you can get your volunteer hours for school. Bring your forms with you and they will be signed at the end of your shift.
What time does my position start?
Go to the position descriptions above and click on the position title to download the complete job description.
Is there parking available?
Yes there is lots of parking available around the site. We encourage you to take OC Transpo
or car pool as there is limited parking. Take any bus that goes on the Transit way and get off at the Tunney’s Pasture stop.
I still have a question.
Contact Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext. 235 or michelle.davis@mssociety.ca if it is before Walk day OR look for Volunteer Leads with BLUE bandanas on Walk day
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The volunteer handbook is an information guide for volunteers. Please check back closer to the event day for when it will be posted.
