Do You Want To Become a Haida Volunteer?

HMCS HAIDA Needs You!

 Volunteers are the heart and soul of Friends of HMCS HAIDA.  Many are naval veterans but others come with no experience at all, perhaps to learn more about the ship themselves or to connect with parents or grandparents who had served.  All are welcome.  Depending on circumstances, some are able to volunteer on a regular basis while others do a few shifts a month during the season from May through September.

 Prospective volunteers will meet with Friends of HMCS HAIDA and Parks Canada staff to learn about volunteer opportunities and Parks Canada Volunteer policies.   Parks Canada offers certain training courses, such as WHMIS, Health and Safety, etc. usually taken jointly with Parks Canada staff at the beginning of the season.  Other training will be provided by Frank Zonka and other experienced Friends of HMCS HAIDA volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities include:

* Onboard Docents - Volunteers work onboard, bringing the ship to life for visitors, providing additional information, answering questions and relating shipboard stories.  Some roam the ship while others concentrate on their area of interest or expertise, e.g. the radio room, the bridge, the engine room, etc.  Visitors consistently report how much the volunteers added to their visit.  Remember, it's not necessary to be a naval veteran to volunteer. HAIDA's volunteers often learn on the job from other volunteers

* Maintenance & Restoration - Whether you are an experienced tradesman or just don't mind getting your hands dirty, there's lots of work to do from cleaning, painting and polishing to more technical jobs.  Some volunteers work on general maintenance while others undertake restoration projects under the direction of the ship keeper.

* School Visits - Other volunteers participate in our school programme, visiting grade ten classrooms and talking to students about the Canadian Navy and HMCS HAIDA and their role in the Second World War and the Korean War.

If you are interested in these volunteer opportunities, please contact Friends of Haida by email at hmcshaida@bellnet.ca or by phone at 905-523-0682.  Andrew Barber, our Volunteer Coordinator or Neil Bell, the Executive Director will be happy to help you.

Jan 5/10