CN Tower Climb for Nature – Event Day Volunteers
Over 5,600 climbers and over 1.4 million dollars were raised in our 2017 CN Tower Climb for Nature, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible enthusiasm, dedication and support of our hundreds of volunteers who were vital to this amazing success!
We look forward to having you join us this year for an incredible volunteering experience, and enabling WWF to continue our important conservation efforts across Canada focusing on our: Oceans, Fresh Water, Arctic, Species at Risk and Climate and Energy initiatives.
Volunteer Key Details
- Minimum Age – To volunteer at this event, you must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Those under 16 who would like to participate are asked to submit a formal request to: [email protected]. For this application to be considered, your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) MUST attend the event and volunteer alongside you for your entire shift.
- Orientation Sessions – Volunteers will be asked to attend an orientation (at CN Tower and/or Metro Toronto Convention Centre) on Monday March 26, 2018. Volunteers on the Registration team must attend a hands-on training session prior to the event, which will be available on either Friday March 23 (evening), or Saturday March 24 (morning). Details will be provided closer to the event.
- Time – Most volunteer shifts begin at: 5:00AM and it is extremely important that volunteers arrive on time. If you do not feel that you can truly commit to arriving by 5:00 AM, please do not sign up for these positions. We ask all volunteers to remain in their positions for the full timeframes unless otherwise directed by a team captain and/or an event organizer.
- Refreshments – We truly appreciate your commitment and promise that refreshments and light fare will be available throughout your shift. Water will also be available throughout the day for all volunteers, and we encourage you to drink lots and to bring your re-usable water bottles.
- Transportation – Please consider your transportation options to the site before you sign up for a position. On weekends, the TTC subway system is not in service until 6:00 AM on Saturdays and 8:00 AM on Sundays. This can make getting downtown more difficult. However, the Blue Line bus routes are in service and stop very close to the site. More information will be provided to help make sure you have a smooth arrival!
- Security Check – Please note that a few specific volunteer positions within the CN Tower require official security checks (vulnerable sector police check). You will be notified directly if your position requires an advanced security check.
- Community Service Hours – Volunteers who are interested in receiving documentation for their Community Service Hours are asked to request a reference letter by emailing [email protected] directly. Reference letters will be emailed after the event. Additional Community Service hours can be earned by attending training and orientation sessions!
Benefits to Volunteering
There are many reasons to get involved as a volunteer with WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature, and everyone has their own motivation. Some of our favorite reasons are:
- Spend the day surrounded by like-minded people who wish to see a world where humans and nature thrive.
- Help to ensure that WWF’s conservation work can continue at home and around the world!
- Wear your WWF-Canada Volunteer T-Shirt with pride, and indulge in delicious refreshments throughout the day.
- Gain volunteer experience, make friends and connections at this high-profile event which is a wonderful addition to any resume.
- Spend meaningful time with friends, family, groups and coworkers! We encourage you to sign up early to be on the same team as your friends!
- Receive a reference letter documenting your participation and hours (if requested)
Volunteer Positions
WWF-Canada is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of positions at our 2018 Climb. As there are a number of different positions, we recommend that you carefully read the descriptions of all the positions prior to signing up. Please be sure to note the date, start/end time, requirements and best personality traits and skill set recommended for the position. If a team/position has been filled, we may suggest an alternate position for your consideration. Please note we will make every effort to place you in the area you selected, however due to circumstances beyond our control, occasionally volunteers can be asked to assist in other areas should the need arise.
Coat Check
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 1:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 1:00pm
Duties: You check the climber’s coats and belongings into and out of the coat check area in a smooth and efficient manner. You will also help direct climbers to Registration tables as well as providing instructions and answering questions.
Ideal Volunteer: You are outgoing, confident and don’t mind speaking to large groups! You remain calm in hectic settings and are always polite and professional. You have excellent communication skills.
Food Runners
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will deliver tasty food to staff and volunteers throughout the event. You will be able to experience all aspects of the event and meet tons of grateful people!
Ideal Volunteer: You are outgoing and friendly. You have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Volunteers must be able to walk for several hours.
*This position involves working indoors and outdoors
General Assistance
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 1:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 1:00pm
Duties: You are a ‘Jack of all trades’ and can experience the entire event! You will assist any volunteer positions that require additional support (covering breaks, extra manpower …).
Ideal Volunteer: This is a dynamic position that is best suited for a flexible, outgoing volunteer. You have strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills and are adaptable to a variety of duties. General Assistance volunteers may be asked to stand and/or sit and/or lift heavy items.
* This position involves working indoors and outdoors.
Hands-Free Check
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will make sure climbers understand and abide by the Hands-Free policy. You will double check that all climbers have wrist bands, time chips/cards and that they are not carrying any items.
Ideal Volunteer: You are outgoing, friendly and confident while giving clear instructions, and you don’t mind speaking to large groups. You have excellent communication skills and are comfortable being firm with upholding the rules of the event.
Hydration Station
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will offer water to climbers to ensure they are well hydrated before and after their climb.
Ideal Volunteer: You are enthusiastic and outgoing! You remain calm despite long lines and are always polite and professional. You are comfortable standing for several hours.
Incentive Prizes
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th and/or Sunday, April 8th from 6:00am to 1:00pm
Duties: You will reward climbers for their amazing fundraising success by handing out prizes!! You will need to match a sticker with the correct prize and maintain an organized area.
Ideal Volunteer: You are friendly, enthusiastic and have a strong attention to detail. You remain calm despite long lines and are always polite and professional. You have strong communication skills.
Line Up Monitor
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will help ensure that line-ups move smoothly and efficiently. This will include directing climbers to Registration tables, helping with crowd control, giving instructions and answering questions.
Ideal Volunteer: You are outgoing, confident and don’t mind speaking to large groups! You remain calm in hectic settings and are always polite and professional. You are patient and have excellent communication skills.
Money Room
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th – Full day: 6:30am – 12:00pm or Shift 1: 6:30am – 9:30am or Shift 2: 9:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 7:00am – 11:00am (times subject to change)
Duties: Help WWF Staff count and track funds submitted. Thoroughly and accurately review every donation sheet.
Ideal Volunteer: You have strong mathematical/accounting skills and enjoy performing detailed tasks. This is a quiet room and is best suited for volunteers who like working independently.
Money Runners
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: Ensure that all registration tables have adequate floats and replenish as required. Help transport all donations to money room.
Ideal Volunteer: This is a busy position that is best suited for a co-operative, outgoing volunteer. You have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Volunteers must be able to walk for several hours.
Outside Directions
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will help climbers follow the path from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to the Tower. You will be responsible for answering questions, providing directions, and helping those who become lost, all while keeping them excited and enthusiastic about the climb!
Ideal Volunteer: You are enthusiastic and outgoing! You can communicate detailed directions clearly and calmly and answer questions. You have a positive and encouraging attitude and can cheer climbers on as you direct them to the tower. You are comfortable standing for several hours.
* This position involves working outdoors – weather appropriate clothing required
Registration (18+)
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th from 5:00am – 12:00pm and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will register climbers, collect and count money, provide wrist bands, time chips/cards and answer questions.
Ideal Volunteer: You are friendly, patient and have a strong attention to detail. You remain calm in potentially stressful situations and are always polite and professional. You have excellent communication skills and can easily follow multi-step instructions.
*Registration volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
*This position involves attending a mandatory pre-event training session (approximately 2.5 hours) on either March 23 or March 24.
Set-Up Crew
Shift: Friday, April 6th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Duties: You will help our staff set up for the big event by moving, lifting, and placing signage, equipment and volunteer stations.
Ideal Volunteer: You are able to lift, move and carry heavy objects and aren’t afraid to break a sweat. You follow directions well and are a friendly and positive team player.
Tear Down Crew
Shift: Sunday, April 8th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Duties: You will help our staff remove our signage and equipment, pack boxes for storage, and move items.
Ideal Volunteer: You are able to lift, move and carry heavy objects (+50 pounds) and aren’t afraid to break a sweat. You follow directions well and are a friendly and positive team player.
* This position involves working indoors and outdoors.
Tower Base Cheering
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will cheer on and direct climbers exiting the elevators back towards the Metro Toronto Convention Centre where they will receive their t-shirt and prizes. You will provide directions and keep the energy going.
Ideal Volunteer: You are high energy, confident and enthusiastic. You have a positive attitude and excellent communication skills.
Tower Hydration and Cheering (18+)
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th and/or Sunday, April 8th from 5:30am to 12:00pm
Duties: You will celebrate with the climbers who have just finished their climb by clapping and cheering. You will also direct climbers to the water station, hand out one water bottle per climber, encourage climbers to descend to ground level, help with crowd control and ensure that elevator lines keep moving smoothly.
Ideal Volunteer: You are high energy, confident, enthusiastic and willing to speak to large crowds! You remain calm and positive despite long lines and are always polite and professional. You love interacting with crowds and are excited about thanking the climbers for their awesome support! You are interested in providing excellent customer service but don’t have a problem saying no. You have excellent communication skills., and don’t mind standing on your feet for extended periods.
*You must be 18 years of age or older for this position.
*This position requires mobility
T-Shirt Distributors
Shifts: Saturday, April 7th and/or Sunday, April 8th from 6:00am to 1:00pm
Duties: Once climbers have received their climb time data, you will transfer the information to their souvenir t-shirt. You will work efficiently and carefully to reduce wait times.
Ideal Volunteer: You are friendly, patient and have a strong attention to detail. You have neat printing, remain calm in potentially stressful situations and are always polite and professional. You have strong communication skills and can easily follow multi-step instructions.
How To Apply
Submit your volunteer application HERE as soon as possible, before all of the positions fill up! Qualified individuals will be contacted within 5 business days advising of the next steps.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
Volunteer Administrator, CN Tower Climb
[email protected]
TELUS is proud to be the presenting sponsor of WWF’s volunteering program, championing passionate and hardworking conservation volunteers for the future.