Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, January 23, 2008
YELLOWKNIFE - The Seniors Arctic Ambassador Program is looking for volunteers in Yellowknife to spend time at the airport greeting visitors and offering information.
"When visitors arrive from Edmonton, for instance, they'll be standing in the arrivals lounge and they'll have their uniforms on and they'll have an information card," said program co-ordinator David Shadbolt.
The volunteers will provide information which will include lists of local resources, recreational information, city contacts, as well as offer any personal knowledge they have.
"If (visitors) want to talk to these seniors who have a lot of experience, of course, because they've lived and they've worked here, they know a little of the local history, they can recount some of their experiences, give them direct information," said Shadbolt.
"It's a one on one, it gives a personal touch."
The program is being co-ordinated by the NWT Seniors Society and funded by the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. From 2006 to 2009 the government department will be providing $129,655 for the program for costs such as publicity, administration, uniforms, training and training manuals.
Shadbolt said most likely the volunteers will be in pairs and at the Yellowknife airport for two to three times a day during the busy periods for a roughly two-hour shift.
The program is designing and obtaining uniforms. There are no volunteers as of yet, but they are actively being sought. Other airports in Canada have similar programs in place and have been very successful.
"It adds value to the economy and the image of hospitality," said Shadbolt. "At the same time it gives seniors who don't want to stay at home but contribute to their communities an opportunity to do that."
Steve Loutitt, Yellowknife airport manager, said the senior ambassadors will be a welcome addition to the airport.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity for the Yellowknife airport," said Loutitt. "I think (the NWT Seniors Society) will do an excellent job of running it."
If successful in Yellowknife, the program may also be implemented in Hay River and other locations in the NWT.
