2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games VIPs from left: Aaron Rawlake, co-chair Games Host Society; Trevor Beaton, chief innovation and people officer, Synergy Credit Union, and Lloydminster Mayor, Gerald Aalbers, joined mascots Tansi and Ravi to kick off registration for volunteers at Synergy on Monday and celebrate Synergy as the volunteer sponsor. Geoff Lee Meridian Source
The volunteer drive for the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games is underway with Synergy Credit Union contributing $50,000 as the official volunteer sponsor.
The milestone announcements took place at Synergy Credit Union on Monday with local members of the Games’ host society and community leaders celebrating the moment along with mascots, Tansi and Ravi.
“This is a big step to really start the volunteer drive. That is a key component of what we need —over 1,000 volunteers to make these Games go,” said Games host society co-chair, Aaron Rawlake.
“The synergy of our volunteers and sponsors to make this happen to give these athletes a memorable experience is huge.”
Volunteers will help greet the athletes, keep score at sports events, assist with medical needs, manage logistics, sell merchandise, manage ticket sales, and more.
The first volunteer to register online was Trevor Beaton, Synergy’s chief innovation and people officer.
“I’m looking forward to that time in July when I can give back to the Games and watch these amazing athletes,” said Beaton.
“It’s an amazing event. It brings over 5,000 people to Lloydminster and more than 2,000 athletes.”
Beaton calls Synergy’s decision to be the official volunteer sponsor, a no-brainer.
“This fits with all of our values as we think about community contribution and economic impact,” he said.
“We were here to do this in 2020 and when that couldn’t happen (COVID) we told them if this comes back in 2024, we’ll be there again for you.”
Beaton notes many Synergy employees will also be volunteering during the Games from July 21-27, and he encourages the public to join them.
Rawlake says Synergy’s $50,000 sponsorship ultimately goes to the young athletes.
“All the funds raised go to the athlete experience to make sure they have a wonderful time in Lloydminster,” he said.
He says the host society will also recognize Synergy as a proud partner in several ways.
“It’s a big part to have the volunteers in place and recognize Synergy for their efforts as well and identifying them at the Games with shirts and those types of things,” said Rawlake.
He also says the host society knows there is a volunteer spirit in the community and he expects to fill spots quickly.
“We’re just excited to get things kicked off and start registering people,” said Rawlake.
“They can go to the Sask Games’ website. We’re going to pump it on social media. Our committee roams around town; they all have the QR code. People can scan that,” he said.
Rawlake says it’s a simple online process to enter your information, the days you’re available to volunteer and what you’re interested in.
“We’ve been part of the testing process to make sure the portal works,” he added.
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers was on hand to speak about the value of volunteers to help run the Games.
“This is an opportunity for young and old to come forward and partake in our city activities, welcome people to our city and be helpful, build their skillset or show it off and put it to great use,” said Aalbers.
“They are going to make friends, meet some exciting people and have a lot of fun.”
