VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR SPOTLIGHT: KRISTY READY

Thursday, April 07, 2022

Kristy has been a valuable member of the dragon boat family for a number of years and a key leader of our on site Volunteer Services Team. Volunteers can count on her to be there for support and encouragement. Every year Kristy looks forward to seeing new and returning faces, and there are a lot of new faces when you have so many volunteers! We sat down with Kristy to learn more about her, including one of her most memorable festival moments and other sundry items.

 

What is your role at the festival? 

Volunteer Coordinator

 

When did you first get involved?

2018

 

Why did you get involved?

In full truth, I do enjoy helping my community, but I'm an office worker so I also really like my weekends! When I happened to be at the festival one year I met the amazing people that run it. It was super clear that helping with the festival is this great balance of being outdoors, meeting new people, having fun in the sun and also doing some good for the community. 

 

What do you enjoy most about the festival?

Watching the magic of a group of individuals turn into a team. Whether it's a group of coworkers winning their first race, or watching a collection of volunteers move from strangers to friends as they conquer a task together. It's magic.

 

What is your most memorable moment from the festival? 

I have so many moments that I just had no idea would be part of festival. As Volunteer Coordinator I have a wonderful opportunity to meet a lot of people in a single day. And every day I get a chance to teach new skills, or watch someone problem solve a task. It's infectious seeing that sense of responsibility, personal growth and then excitement when they solve the problem. But it's happened a couple times that festival is done and I'm out in the city and one of the volunteers recognizes me. Seeing them months later with the biggest smile and gushing about their experience - that melts my heart. 

 

What do you do for fun when not at the event? 

We adopted our God dog in January, so lately it's been all about him. Walks, car rides, frisbee throws, and treats. I've been teaching him new tricks and he does really well at the agility park.  

 

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I married my highschool sweetheart and he also helps out at festival! *Cue the sappy music*

 

We’re going to play a game:

1. Smooth or Crunchy? It's more fun if it's crunchy.
2. Disneyland or Disney World? Disney World! But I wouldn't turn down a world tour of all the Disney parks!
3. Northside or Southside? Northside to live, Southside to visit.
4. Pad Thai or Poutine? Pad Thai because the husband has zero idea what that is 🤣
5. Baywatch: The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) or The Hoff (David Hasselhoff)? Efron? Sorry Shelley.

It’s time for some word association:

1. Jaws = Pink Lake
2. Triathlon = Stay clear of the sharks
3. Beach Blanket Bingo = Euphemism?
4. Community = Family
5. Volunteerism = Revitalizing!

In closing, what would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with the festival? Stop thinking, just do it. Give it a go one time and come see what it's all about.

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