News Release - April 9, 2015

Airport Volunteers to celebrate National Volunteer Week with YQQ fundraiser

The Comox Valley Airport will be hosting a special volunteer recognition and fundraising barbeque at the Comox Valley Airport from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. All profits will be donated to L'Arche Comox Valley's "I Belong" campaign, with the airport matching donations to double the impact of the event.

"Our volunteers are generally the first point of contact for a person entering the terminal building," explained Comox Valley Airport CEO, Fred Bigelow. "Our 53 volunteers have an important role in shaping the passenger experience at YQQ and it is important that we take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment."

The Comox Valley Airport's volunteer program attracts individuals with a broad range of experience and skills. Each volunteer is scheduled for an average of one shift per week, coinciding with peak traffic volumes in the terminal building. Volunteers are stationed throughout the terminal to interact with both arriving and departing passengers.

"Most of our volunteers donate their time to more than one service organization in the community and it is nice to hold a fundraiser that nurtures their community spirit," said Comox Valley Airport Volunteer Coordinator, Marilyn Jorgensen.

The barbeque will be hosted by On the Fly Café and members of the public are invited to join YQQ's volunteers for a burger, pop and chips for $6.00. With purchase, guests can enter a free raffle to win a beautiful handcrafted garden bench and fully-stocked picnic basket. The event takes place rain or shine and entertainment will be provided by Rob Petrie. Parking at the airport will be free for guests attending the barbeque during this time.

Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Time: 11:45 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Outside the Comox Valley Airport terminal building
What: A public barbeque hosted by On the Fly Cafe with entertainment by Rob Petrie

About the "I Belong" Campaign

L'Arche Comox Valley is raising funds to provide six housing units for people with developmental disabilities in the Comox Valley that require residential support and have no suitable housing options available. The plan includes construction of a "place of belonging"- a multi-purpose facility, located close to the downtown core, offering residences, creative arts programs and outreach services.

For more information about L'Arche or the "I Belong" Campaign visit: www.larchecomoxvalley.org

About National Volunteer Week

April 12 to 18, 2015 is National Volunteer Week. Now in its 74th year, National Volunteer Week pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and talents to our communities. It is the largest celebration of civic participation in Canada.

For more information visit: www.volunteer.ca

Media Contact:

Christianne Wile
Comox Valley Airport
(250) 890-0829 ext. 253
cwile@comoxairport.com