If you love the Coast and welcoming people to it, the Sunshine Coast Welcome Wagon has the perfect position for you.
Welcome Wagon coordinator Judith Hewitt is looking for someone to help her deliver baskets of gifts, coupons and information to new Coasters and new parents in the Sechelt area.
Hewitt serves the entire Sunshine Coast, but can’t keep up with the demand for the Welcome Wagon baskets in and around Sechelt.
Volunteers with the program must use their own vehicle and gas to deliver the baskets; however, they can claim the expense at tax time, Hewitt said, noting there is also a small compensation paid per basket delivered.
“The position really calls for somebody who has a spark, an enthusiasm for their community and a love of people,” Hewitt said. “They also have to be sociable, have a good reliable vehicle and a computer as well.”
Hewitt said each visit with a new resident or parent takes between 20 to 40 minutes to go over the information in the basket and answer any questions people may have.
Last year Hewitt delivered 300 Welcome Wagon gift baskets on the Coast.
The baskets are filled with gifts and coupons from local retailers as well as trail maps, information guides and local publications for new residents. New parents receive baskets tailored to their needs.
“Every baby deserves a basket,” Hewitt said. She encourages new moms to call her at each baby’s birth.
“The misconception some people have is that we’re trying to sell them something, and we’re not. It’s really just about the idea of a community being involved in welcoming a new Coaster or a new baby to the Coast,” Hewitt said. “It’s very, very important that we make people feel welcome and help connect them to their community.”
If you would like to volunteer for the position with Welcome Wagon or arrange for a Welcome Wagon visit, contact Hewitt at 604-886-9896 or email [email protected].
