2022 Grey Cup Festival now accepting registrations from volunteers

The 2022 Grey Cup Festival is looking for volunteers.

Registration has opened for volunteers who want to help out during the Festival, which is set for Nov. 15-20 in Regina.

The organizing committee is asking for between 1,200 and 1,500 people to act as arrival ambassadors, greeters, coat check volunteers, information booth representatives, bar assistants, VIP motor pool drivers, outdoor festival ambassadors, sports ambassadors and more.

All volunteers are to receive an exclusive bright green Grey Cup Volunteer 3-in-1 jacket, a T-shirt and toque — a package that’s valued at more than $250. The cost of $85 (plus GST) covers the cost of the uniforms, software, training, meals, support and other administration expenses.

Volunteer committee chair Bernadette McIntyre says she’s confident the people of Regina will show up and lend a hand to help put on a successful festival.

“We know people are anxious and ready to volunteer,” she said during a media conference Monday. “We’re very excited to launch today and be encouraging people throughout Saskatchewan to volunteer and come to the heartland and volunteer for our wonderful Grey Cup festival.

“This is an absolutely wonderful event. It’s Canada’s biggest party, it’s the ultimate in Canadian football and the volunteers here in Regina and Saskatchewan will show the warmth and hospitality of this province and we’re so excited to have close to 2,000 volunteers join our host committee and put on a show like Regina’s never seen before.”

Most volunteer shifts are to be four to five hours long, and volunteers must commit to a minimum of four shifts.

According to McIntyre, they’ll have a wide range of positions to choose from.

“Volunteers will get to do a whole host of things,” she said. “They’ll be greeters, they’ll be helping in Riderville, maybe pouring the odd beverage (or) helping at our wonderful outdoor street festival. There’s going to be a digital zone.

“We’ll have volunteers doing a variety of things.”

All volunteers are required to complete an online registration process, provide a criminal record check and be over the age of 19.

After they register, volunteers will be able to pick their preferred jobs and shifts when they become available in the volunteer system as early as October.

“This event is an opportunity to bring everyone together and show CFL fans how truly special Saskatchewan is,” Craig Reynolds, the Roughriders’ president-CEO and Grey Cup Festival co-chair, said in a media release.

“In just over 80 days, we will kick off the greatest celebration in Canadian football — all made possible because of our incredible volunteers.”