Message from the New BRCA Volunteer Coordinator

I’m happy to introduce myself – Matt Grant – as the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association’s new Volunteer Coordinator. I’m new to the community of Bridgeland, a resident of one of the many new condos sprouting up in the area, and I’ve quickly come to really appreciate the character of this community and the friendliness of the people I’ve met.

As the summer events schedule heats up, I’m looking forward to learning the ropes of my new position. As I write this, I’m preparing for a Saturday spent cleaning up Bridgeland and Riverside. I’m also eagerly anticipating BRCA’s Fringe Festival to be held on June 14th. It’s clear to me, as a new resident of our community, that there’s a lot going on, and there are a number of ways community members can get involved and help out. I hope to be able to assist the association by connecting those in the community interested in rolling up their sleeves and lending a helping hand with those looking for assistance in making our neighbourhood an even more vibrant place to live.

With the influx of so many new residents in Bridgeland and Riverside, I’m excited about this opportunity to revitalize our inner city community with a spirit of volunteerism. Whether we live in the houses that spread up the hill to Renfrew, or in the condos on the old hospital grounds and towards the Bow, my hope is that I can encourage neighbours to meet at community events, help out when it’s needed, and have fun while doing so.

If you’re ever interested in helping out or getting more involved in the recruitment of volunteers, please don’t hesitate to contact me at volunteer@brcacalgary.org.

I look forward to working with all of you.

Sincerely,
Matt Grant

Current Volunteer Positions

If you or your family are interested in volunteering, here are some of the opportunities currently available:

Current Vacant Board Positions:

Events Director 1 year position - directs a committee and is responsible for coordinating events for the Community Association.

Facility Operations Director 1 year position - directs a committee and is responsible for various hall facility operations.

Remember, you are always welcome to visit us for a board meeting, or committee meeting, if you are wondering if there might be a place for you. Try us out – you never know, you just might find your niche!

Volunteer Opportunities
Marketing Coordinator
Newsletter Contributors
Graphic Designer
Programs Committee Members
Ice Rink Maintenance Volunteers
Facility Operations Committee Members

Marketing Coordinator
Help us inform the community about BRCA events and volunteer opportunities.
- Arrange for the rental of signs prior to events
- Work with event organizers to create posters and have them printed
- Write copy for the newsletter and website to promote BRCA activities and purpose

Newsletter Contributors
Help us fill our community newsletter, Bridges, with great content! Some ideas:
- Attend and report on community events
- Interview your neighbour and share their story with us
- Take photos of the people and places of Bridgeland-Riverside (ensure you receive permission from people you photograph before submitting their photo)
Time commitment can be as much or as little as you are able to provide. For more information, or to submit an article, contact newsletter@brcacalgary.org.

Graphic Designer
Donate some of your time and talent to create attention-grabbing posters for BRCA events. Use your discerning eye to help us improve the look and feel of our newsletter and website. Time commitment can be as much or as little as you are able to provide.

Programs Committee Members
We need people to spearhead any programs that they may find of interest. We have people that can help you but we need people to take on leadership roles on specific programs. Contact Nickie Brockhoff at pastpres@brcacalgary.org or at 263-5755.

Ice Rink Maintenance Volunteers
Each year we make improvements to the design of the outdoor ice rink at the BRCA Center and we are anticipating excellent participation in its maintenance, all of which is done by volunteers. If you would like to help, even occasionally, contact facilityops@brcacalgary.org.

A BIG "thank you" to the “Rink Rats” for making the BRCA skating season a success. Led by Ryan, with a supporting cast of Jeff, Dale, Tom and James (sorry if I missed anyone), the ice was improved this year thanks to all of your efforts and patience. The “Rats” really need to be commended, as it is not easy making a flat skating rink out of an eighteen-inch deep pond. Thanks guys!!

Facility Operations Committee Members
The Facility Operations Committee is looking for new members. We have a number of projects for improvements to the facility and each project has a team assigned to it. It could be making a few calls for quotes, or finding people to share the load. Meetings are conducted in one hour, monthly, and results are reported to the Board. Contact facilityops@brcacalgary.org if you would like to join in with your special organizational skills.

THANK YOU!!! We cannot tell you just HOW IMPORTANT YOUR OFFER OF HELP IS to this community. Nothing gets done without help and, it's true, many hands make light work! 

There is ample opportunity for you, as a member, to be involved. If you do not wish involvement with BRCA Board, would you be interested in being a committee member? What are your talents? What ideas do you have to make BRCA an effective Community Association? 

For more information, contact info@brcacalgary.org or 263-5755.