Volunteer-Food Stations

Nine partner clubs and service organization provide volunteers for the Food/Aid stations. These are augmented by the two Chiefs and some Birkie Volunteers.

Who is In Charge?

Context For All Roles

To support the 31 and 55km events, aid stations are placed in strategic distances. These stations are staff from the community and through service clubs and partner organizations. The Birkie thanks the following organizations for their ongoing commitment to making the event safe, fun, and accessible to skiers!

• Alberta Trail Riders Association – Blackfoot 2
• Canadian Progress Club of Sherwood Park – Central
• Canadian River Valley Revenge – Boundary
• Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club – Roundup
• Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club – Booster
• Fast Trax – Blackfoot 1
• Grant Macewan Mountain Club – Spare
• Survivorfest 24 – Elk Push
• Waskahegan Trail Association – Meadow

Safety Considerations: Each of the above organizations has their own safety procedures. However, dress for the weather including proper footwear. Knives and an open fire pit create yummy food and a place to warm up but exercise common sense and due care with both.

Location: Volunteers are transported to the respective stations via 4×4 Vehicle.

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:	071-FoodStn-Birkie Friends Aid/Food Stations
Description	Support skiers at key points along the various event routes. Provide food, warm beverages, a fire, and the ability to retire if required. First Aid volunteers are embedded in each station for emergencies.
Volunteer Requirements	Excellent customer services. Dress for the conditions.
When Needed	Birkie Saturday and Orientation on February 7.
Times Needed	An all-day commitment starting early in the morning to convoy out, about 10 hours.
Number Needed	150

Role Specifics	Role Details
Role ID, Area and Title:	072-FoodStn-Helpers – Pre Birkie
Description	Help to organize the food trainer (food, water and equipment).
Volunteer Requirements	Basic organizational skills, ability to lift light to moderate loads. Familiarity with camping and cooking equipment desirable. Own transportation to Waskahegan is an asset.
When Needed	Thursday or Friday before the Birkie per volunteer schedule.
Times Needed	About a half day or so based on number of volunteers.
Number Needed	3

Role Specifics	Role Details
Role ID, Area and Title:	073-FoodStn-Helpers – Food Trailer
Description	Helps to distribute material from the Food Trailer as needed. Received material at the end of the day.
Volunteer Requirements	Basic organizational skills, ability to lift light to moderate loads. Familiarity with camping and cooking equipment desirable. Ideally helped to organized equipment earlier.
When Needed	Birkie Saturday, February 10, 2024, and Orientation on February 8.
Times Needed	A full day, may be split between two shifts is too long.
Number Needed	1

Role Specifics	Role Details
Role ID, Area and Title:	070-FoodStn-Chief
Description	Coordinating personnel, food and beverage for aid stations along the Birkie route. Contact previous year’s clubs / groups to invite them to participate and prepare back-up list of clubs. Determine food and drink requirements for stations. Conduct volunteer orientation. Distribute list of station duties and responsibilities, equipment provided and equipment to be provided by the station captains, clothing, station set-up, themes, food /beverage service procedures. Ensure captains know of any last-minute course changes, check in times etc. Coordinate departure of teams via Transportation. Coordinate return of equipment and supplies. Ensure stations have been cleaned up.
Volunteer Requirements	Good organizational and planning skills. Tact and diplomacy in dealing with external volunteers and organizations.
When Needed	Fall planning for planned stations. Birkie Saturday and pre-week. Cleanup and debrief stations.
Times Needed	About 40-60 in the Fall and January. 20-30 hours Birkie Week with a long Birkie Saturday (10 hours). 10-20 hours post Birkie for clean-up and debrief.
Number Needed	1