January 16, 2009 Charlottetown – With 210 days remaining until the Opening Ceremony for the 2009 Canada Games, organizers outlined the many benefits of volunteering for the two week event at a news conference in Charlottetown today.

The Volunteer Services Division is responsible for the recruitment and recognition of the 6000
volunteers needed to stage the Games. To track the efforts of the recruitment campaign, the Division, along with representatives from Atlantic Lottery, the Volunteer Program Sponsor, also unveiled its “Volunteer Recruit‐ometer”, essentially a measuring stick resembling the Games’ torch that shows how close the Host Society is to its goal.

Host Society president, Joseph Spriet said, “Our Island‐wide Games will be an event not to miss and what better way be a part of this great spectacle than to show your pride and show off the best hospitality Prince Edward Island has to offer, by volunteering. “ He added, “We are looking for
enthusiastic people with a wide variety of skills. And we’re thrilled that over 1,350 have already
applied—many through our website: www.2009canadagames.ca before our campaign has even really
started!”

Spriet also praised the efforts and enthusiasm of Atlantic Lottery, who was represented by new
Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre General Manager, Jason Cormier. Atlantic Lottery
president and CEO, Michelle Carinci said, “Atlantic Lottery is proud to sponsor the 2009 Canada Games.

At ALC, we believe that community is the culmination of everything we do. Whether as a volunteer coach or a mentor at an after school program, volunteers strengthen the fabric of our communities— just as ALC has done with the Canada Games since 1976.”

Volunteer Services vice president, Myrtle Jenkins-Smith reviewed the volunteer application process and indicated that anyone 14 years and older is welcome to apply. She said, “Our online application allows applicants to choose in what areas they would like to contribute, and what times they are available. In the spring, we will then be able to match the applicants’ preferences with our Host Society’s needs.”

Download the full press release at the link below.