VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: RAVI PHILAR

Friday, April 01, 2022

For the past 10 years, Ravi Philar has been an integral member of the festival’s volunteer team. Overseeing the festival’s bars, he works hard to ensure that whether you’re getting a drink or not, everyone feels safe and welcomed! We spoke with Ravi to learn more about his experience volunteering with the festival and what keeps him coming back.

When did you first get involved with the festival? In 2012 at the request/invitation of Antony Cooper, who knew of my experience looking after beer tents at CityFolk, Ottawa Folk and Bluesfest.

 

What volunteer position(s) have you held? Beer Tents – Crew Leader.

 

Why do you volunteer with the festival? I feel like a member of the family: John, Antony, Shelley, Neil, Reg and many others. And because I enjoy providing good, safe, reliable service to the patrons, and because of the freedom Antony et al have given me to innovate. 

 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the festival? Encouraging, mentoring many younger volunteers to accept positions of responsibility. A training ground as it were for them to volunteer at bigger festivals.

 

What is something memorable that has happened at the festival during your time as a volunteer? The catastrophic rain storm in 2017 that shut down the festival. Mostly, it is just a delight to make new friends and try to do the impossible, like explaining the game of cricket to Reg!

 

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with the festival? Don’t hesitate to make and keep a commitment. Just jump right in and do whatever is needed, and don’t think of what “benefits/perks” you may get in return. Contribute selflessly and see yourself grow as a person, make new friends, and earn others’ respect.

 

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering with the festival? Volunteering with other festivals; being involved in my community; and trying to enjoy a retired life.

 

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you? That I am neither as tall nor as smart as they might think. Like everyone else, we can all be interesting to get to know, each in his/her own way.

 

Year after year, valued volunteers like Ravi, give the festival their time, energy and heart to make the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival a success! We sincerely thank them for their generous contributions to our community.

 

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