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THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING?
The many volunteers with the Friends of Gatineau Park help promote the park
and make it possible for vast numbers to enjoy its attractions.
Our volunteers will also tell you that being involved with the Friends of
the Park lets them broaden their knowledge of nature and the heritage of the
area, develop and make the most of their skills, and above all enjoy
themselves with a diverse and dynamic group.
Below is a brief description of some of our most common needs.
Dusk Series
A series of activities usually taking place on Friday evenings. Typically an
expert gives a presentation on a given subject (owls, frogs, wolves, insects
etc.) at the Visitors Centre in Chelsea, and then takes the participants
into the park to observe the wildlife. Volunteers must arrive about thirty
minutes before the event to help prepare the room, welcome participants,
check registrations and fill out discount cards. They also help supervise
participants and ensure their safety while on the outing in the Park.
Snowshoeing under the Stars
These events (which are part of the Dusk Series) consist of a two-hour
snowshoe trek on a particular subject, leaving from the Visitors Centre in
Chelsea. Volunteers must arrive about thirty minutes before the event to
help prepare the snowshoes, welcome the thirty or so participants (usually
divided into two language groups), check registrations and fill out discount
cards, distribute snowshoes and assist the younger participants in putting
them on. Most important, they must make sure no-one is left behind on the
outing.
Adopt-a-Trail
An individual (or a group) walks and inspects a path in the park on a
regular basis. The volunteer picks up litter, helps keep the trail in good
condition, reports on the state of the path and its use, and encourages
users to behave in a respectful manner. The volunteer commits to walk the
path and give a report about every two weeks from May to October.
Promotion
Volunteers represent the Friends of the Park at various community and
promotional activities such as the Wildlife Festival, Heritage Day or Earth
Day celebrations. Sometimes they take the opportunity to sell tickets to a
draw for a canoe, the profits from which help finance research in the Park.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors which may have up to twelve members, including a
representative of the National Capital Commission, provides leadership and
supervises all the activities of the organization. Its members are elected
at the annual general meeting. The Board holds meetings roughly two hours
long about twelve times a year. Members of the Board usually devote five
hours a month to this work.
Nature Interpretation Committee
This Committee, which may have up to six people (including one
representative of the National Capital Commission), supervises a whole range
of activities related to nature interpretation such as school outings,
tailor-made programs for specific groups, publication of interpretive
guides, the dusk series or evenings at Lake Philippe. Volunteers must have
an interest in nature and be prepared to devote at least three hours a month
as part of the Committee.
Heritage Interpretation Committee
This Committee, which may have up to six people (including one
representative of the National Capital Commission), oversees the
introduction of activities related to the history of the Park and the area,
and its human heritage. For example an activity was held recounting the
contribution of C.E Montureux to the establishment of the system of cross
country and downhill ski trails and shelters in the Park. This aspect, which
is currently being developed, is an important part of the work of the
Friends of the Park. Volunteers must have an interest in our history and
heritage, and should be willing to devote at least three hours a month to
serve on this Committee
Communications Committee
This Committee deals with all matters relating to communications involving
the Friends of the Park. Among other things, they produce the bulletin which
appears twice a year, and the monthly newsletter ‘Staying Connected’. The
Committee is also responsible for the website, and the production and
distribution of trail guides. A commitment of at least two hours a month is
required for this Committee.
Finance Committee
Members of this Committee assist the Board of Directors and other Committees
regarding financial matters and obtaining funds. A commitment of at least
two hours a month is required for this Committee.
Office Work
The Friends of the Park have only one part-time employee, and there are many
administrative jobs to be done. Any help with office work (committee
support, data entry, mailings, taking messages, e-mails, filing etc.) is
always welcome.
Translation
The Friends of the Park must often translate documents from one official
language to the other, and volunteers can assist in meeting this need.
WHAT TO DO
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please let us know by phone
(819-827-3113) or by e-mail (www.amisduparcdelagatineau.ca).
Mario, our Volunteer Coordinator, will contact you to discuss how we can
match your interests with the needs of the Friends of the Park.
Friends of the Park: combining interest with pleasure!
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