Help skiers by getting their kit from the start to the finish in a safe and orderly manner.
Rather than carrying their kit with them, the Clothing Tent collects and securely transports it to the finish line. Volunteer Collect, Tag, transport, and then Distribute clothing parcels.
- Who is In Charge?
- Context For All Roles.
- Volunteers Needed.
- Return to Loppet or All Volunteer Opportunities.
Who is In Charge?
Kim Currie is the Chief of Clothing Tent. Although she has never skied in the Birkie, she has been a volunteer with the Clothing Tent for 10 years taking over the role of Chief in 2018.
More of a runner then a skier she enjoys being outdoors and travelling the world.
- 030-Cloth-Tent-Chief
- 031-Cloth-Tent-Ukrainian Village
- 032-Cloth-Tent-Waskehagen Finish
Context For All Roles
Skiing 55km, you want to travel as light as possible. Skiers leave their warm but bulky stuff with the volunteers and it is whisked to the finish line.
“We work hard but have a lot of fun in the process! If you like to be organized and can work under a bit of pressure to set up before the skiers arrive, this may be great volunteer opportunity for you. Over the years we have made it a challenge to have bags on the tables before the skier reaches us, most of the time we succeed since they are not moving too fast at that point! We are a long-term group who have worked together for years and keep coming back – nevertheless the group is always looking for fun-loving-heavy-lifting-additions to our team!”
Kim Currie, Clothing Tent Chief
Safety Considerations: Work is outdoors so dress for the weather including standing for long periods between skiers ready to start/finish. Some years can be quite cold so proper gloves/mitts, headwear and footwear is required. Conditions may be slippery so good traction on footwear is recommended. These positions are very physical. Volunteers must lift and carry the bags (some can be quite heavy with the left behind weights!) as well as moving and setting up tables.
Location: We have two groups, one group will start out at the Ukrainian Village and move to the finish area at Waskehagen, the second group will start out at the finish area for set up there. All volunteers will need transportation to Ukrainian Village and Waskehagen. There is a shelter with a fire stove for volunteers to warm up in and a fire pit and propane heaters close by.
Training: Virtual/in-person briefing in January will be required. An in-person award organization meeting will be held closer to the Birkie. Attendance at the Volunteer Orientation the week of the Birkie is highly recommended. Awards Lead will provide mentorship and guidance.
Roles Needed
| Role Specifics | Role Details |
|---|---|
| Role ID, Area and Title: | 030-Cloth-Tent-Chief |
| Description | Plan and organize volunteers in two locations. Coordinate with transportation and Stadium to ensure smooth logistics. Document and debrief. |
| Volunteer Requirements | Good organizational skills, able to build a team, customer service. |
| When Needed | Fall pre-Birkie for planning, Friday before the Birkie to review preparations. Onsite at the long and short starts. Virtual meetings to coordinate the volunteer team. |
| Times Needed | 10-20 hours in advance of February. 5-8 hours Birkie Weekend to coordinate. A long day on Birkie Saturday. |
| Number Needed | 1 |
| Role Specifics | Role Details |
|---|---|
| Role ID, Area and Title: | 031-Cloth-Tent-Ukrainian Village |
| Description | Collect the drop bags from skiers as they head to the start for the 55km and 31km events. Help tag and mark bags as needed. Load the cube van for transportation to the finish area. Once all skiers have started, we will drive to the finish area at Waskehagen to unload and organize the drop bags in numerical order. There is an option to hang out all day and help retrieve and return bags as the skiers finish their race. |
| Volunteer Requirements | Warm outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, and gloves. There are snacks and hot drinks provided in the Red Barn, please bring any extra as you may need. Be ready to do some heavy lifting and moving and practice your organizing skills! |
| When Needed | Birkie Race Morning with possibility of full day |
| Times Needed | 8:00AM-12:00PM |
| Number Needed | 10 Half or full day |
| Role Specifics | Role Details |
|---|---|
| Role ID, Area and Title: | 032-Cloth-Tent-Waskehagen Finish |
| Description | Set up the tables under the star tents and determine number sequence for bag organization. Set up rope perimeter around the area. Help unload and organize bags on the tables in numerical order. Collect and organize any drop bags left by skiers of the 13km and 8 km races. Option to remain for the day to help retrieve and return bags to skiers as they complete their race. We will need to take the tables down and at the end of the day for those who stay until the last skier arrives! |
| Volunteer Requirements | Warm outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, and gloves. There are lunch, snacks and hot drinks are provided in the Festival Tent for volunteers, please bring any extra food and drink as you may need. Be ready to do some heavy lifting and moving and practice your organizing skills! |
| When Needed | Birkie Race Morning with possibility of full day |
| Times Needed | 8:00AM-12:00PM or 8:00AM to 5:00PM |
| Number Needed | 10 Half or full day |
