5 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER

Saturday, March 01, 2025

There are so many reasons to volunteer and get involved with your local community we thought we would talk to our Volunteer Services Team and compile a list of some of their top reasons to volunteer. So without further ado we present five reasons to volunteer with the festival!

FIVE REASONS TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE TIM HORTONS OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

1. It makes you feel good. The act of giving back releases those feel-good endorphins and can make you feel more connected to the world around you. In fact, studies have shown that people who volunteer are more likely to say they are “very happy” than those that do not volunteer. Every year the festival takes lots of photos of the event, including our volunteers, and it isn’t hard at all to find our volunteers’ smiling faces.
2. Make a difference. Wherever there is a call for help, you can be sure that heeding it will make a difference in the organization or lives of those asking for help. The same is true for the festival’s volunteers. In fact, the festival’s success depends on the generosity of the community and in our volunteers giving of their time and their experience.
3. Meet new people. With thousands of attendees and paddlers and hundreds of volunteers, there is no shortage of new connections to be made. Whether you are an extrovert, excited at the chance to meet as many new people as you can, or an introvert, who may prefer to limit your interactions, the festival staff and volunteer team is here to support you and welcome you into the festival family.
4. Make memories with friends and family. New experiences and activities with friends and family are a great way to strengthen relationships and provide memories to warm your heart. And there are plenty of positions that are perfect for volunteering in pairs or groups. Green team, alternates, dock attendants, and more! Whichever position you choose there are wonderful new memories to make.
5. Try something new. Volunteering is an excellent way to try new things, and there are no shortage of positions that will fulfill this requirement. Unfamiliar with dragon boat races and want to get close to the action? Then dock attendant is a great option. Whatever you choose, it is an excellent opportunity to get a unique view into the behind the scenes activity of a festival.

If you’re thinking about volunteering you can find out about the available opportunities here and register below.