Committee: Little Folks
Number of years volunteering: 6
What memory stands out most when you think of your time at the Festival?
Although I cannot pin point one single memory that stands out with me the most during my time with Folk Fest there is a moment each year that particularly resonates with me: sitting on a tarp, watching the sunset over the gorgeous Jericho beach venue, listening to amazing live music while laughing with friends.
Why do you volunteer for the Festival? What inspires you?
When I starting volunteering for the Festival I had absolutely no idea what it was. I volunteered with a friend on a whim and never looked back. I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere of it all. It opened my eyes to a whole different community that was living right in my back yard. I volunteer at Folk Fest because I believe in the power of volunteerism. I know that the amazing opportunity I was given to join the Festival would not be possible without all the hardworking, dedicated volunteers. I want to be able to give others the opportunity to experience the spectacularity of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
What’s your favourite part of the Festival?
There is no doubt in my mind that my favourite part of Folk Fest is the people. The Festival has becoming a home away from home for me. It is a little oasis that we all have the pleasure of travelling to once a year in my hometown. It never ceases to amaze me how many interesting people you can meet and make connections with during the Festival. In my 6 years of volunteering I have met people from almost every continent. I have made lifelong friends, and lifelong memories. With that being said, there is also something so magical about seeing various bands from different backgrounds play together in the workshops.
What advice would you give to new volunteers?
As someone who frequently advocates for volunteering with the Festival the advice that I offer to new volunteers is to never be worried about putting yourself out there. Folk fest is a community and the volunteers the heart of it. Everyone you will meet is just as passionate about it as you will be. Don’t be afraid to make new friends and meet new people in your committee and others, and to really have fun doing your job. Volunteering helps make the Festival possible and just as you are helping others create amazing, unforgettable memories you will create the most extraordinary ones while volunteering.