Outdoor rinks can open during lockdown but need volunteers to do so

“More hands make light work,” said city park operations superintendent Natalie Weir, who is hoping four to five Hatters will volunteer at each rink.

Weir says the job doesn’t pay cash but it pays off in other ways.

“It gives you that ability to get out of your house for a bit,” said Weir. “Maybe learn a new skill because as far as the ice making goes. It is definitely a skill – a little bit of an art to it as well – so a perfect opportunity for people to possibly learn something as far as ice-making goes.”

And with the restrictions set to take many of the usual holiday activities off the table, Adopt-a-Rink volunteer Dylan Giles says this year it’s more important than ever to get volunteers to help out at their local rinks.

“People are looking for actual safe recreational activities,” said Giles, who is in his fifth year of volunteering at the Kiwanis Central Park rink. “With so many programs being shut down, people are just looking for what’s left out there that we can do that we truly enjoy as a family.”

Giles says he volunteers to give back to the community and is encouraging Hatters to do the same.

“Our community is a great community because of what people put into it. So the more people who do volunteering, that’s what makes Medicine Hat great. I’d encourage people to find what opportunities have interest for you,” said Giles. “I love hockey. I love skating so I want to be a part of that.”

Those looking to sign up for the Adopt-a-Rink program can do so by filling out the city’s online registration form.

by Alex McCuaig

Outdoor rinks can open during lockdown but need volunteers to do so

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