Each July the Calgary Stampede’s 2,000 volunteers welcome an additional 500 people who come to help put on The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. “Many people don’t realize the Stampede is supported by so many volunteers,” says award-winning Volunteer Services manager, Brenda Couture.

“A key to the success of the Stampede’s volunteer program is that we have an incredible variety of fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities to offer people, either on an event or a year-round basis.”

The Stampede is not only supported by volunteers who coordinate everything from Caravan breakfasts to the annual parade to dozens of agriculture events, it is also led by a volunteer board of directors. It’s no small task to support such a large group of people but that’s exactly what the Volunteer Services department does. Couture, recently recognized with the Leadership in Volunteer Management Award by Volunteer Calgary, says, “Volunteer Services' role is to provide assistance, support and resources to volunteers so they can be successful in their roles.”

This includes supporting volunteers like Deb Lee, responsible for staffing Bluebell and the cow-milking display at Stampede. Last year, Lee engaged six volunteers from Korea and Japan, through Volunteer Services, to work this display and who filled 11 shifts over 10 days. They were all looking for ways to improve their English and this opportunity allowed them to do that in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Event volunteers step into many other roles including barn-tour guides, 50/50 ticket sales and security to name a few. The Stampede’s volunteer program is one of the most respected volunteer systems in the world.