Nanaimo’s Dry Grad event is in danger of being cancelled unless more volunteers sign up, warn organizers.
The event takes place June 24 at Beban Park and offers graduating students an opportunity to celebrate in an alcohol- and drug-free environment, said Karen Pedersen, dry grad volunteer coordinator.
There are an estimated 1,000 graduates, according to Pedersen.
“This will be our largest dry grad for the number of kids,” Pedersen said. “So right now, if I go with those numbers, I’m going to need about another 200 to 300 more (volunteers).”
Pedersen said positions include food preparation, set-up crew, bag check/check-in, attendants for the entertainment section, security, garbage and recycling pickup, and even estheticians.
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“We have an area for people that would like to get their hair done or makeup done after they go swimming or after they go skating,” said Pedersen. “Makeup, hair would be great. If you could do nails or pedicures or massages or anything like that.”
Dry grad runs from June 24 until the next morning and there will be shifts before, during and after, Pedersen said.
The event has taken place for 26 years and while gathering volunteers has always been a challenge, it’s at a point this year that organizers are looking at shutting down some of the venues, said Pedersen.
She said the Centennial Building, where there are entertainment activities, Cliff McNabb Arena and food services would have to be cut.
“If we start cancelling things, we’re going to lose our sponsors and we’re going to lose, possibly, Beban because they rent the whole thing out to us,” Pedersen said.
Volunteers are needed in the next 10 days, said Pedersen.
If you’re interested in contributing, please e-mail Pedersen at volunteer@nanaimodrygrad.com or visit www.nanaimodrygrad.com.