[BCMA] Volunteers get new experiences

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

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For immediate release
April 12, 2011
Volunteers give time, get new experiences at the Royal BC Museum

Victoria, BC - Emily is 16 years old. She is about to become a volunteer at the Royal BC Museum as Canada celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 10-16.

"I've been going to the museum since before I could walk," says Emily Begg. "For my volunteering at the museum I'll be doing hands-on talks with a 'fossil cart' and learning how to label fossils with a collections manager. I'm now a grade 10 student. My passion is history and paleontology. I hope to learn what courses to take in university to meet my goals."

Every year, up to 400 volunteers at the Royal BC Museum contribute over 40,000 hours of their time. They may be mounting thousands of bee specimens, making custom storage boxes for archival records, giving guided tours or updating community contact lists. There are over 50 different volunteer job descriptions and 40 staff that sponsor one or more volunteers.

"We really couldn't achieve all that we do without volunteers," says Royal BC Museum CEO Pauline Rafferty. "Whether explaining how a bird flies, helping at fundraising events, or 'time travelling' with school children in Old Town, each volunteer is expanding our ability to reach out and share with the community."
Genevieve Weber is also starting her volunteer work this week. She completed her Master of Archival Studies in 2008, has worked on aboriginal records around the province and recently returned to the capital. "I wanted to get to know other archival professionals on a personal level, and to widen my skills with tasks I've not had a chance to develop in previous work environments. I grew up going to the museum and spent a lot of time in the archives during my studies. I love going there and wanted to be connected in some way."

Others bring their patience and helping nature to the information desk. Naz Dixon works as a registered nurse but she makes time to meet visitors each week. "I'm a transplant, " says Naz, "from Calgary. For the first year I volunteered in the shop, then moved to the info desk for the past four years. I really enjoy building my knowledge base. I have to learn all about the museum and what we do here to be helpful. I really like meeting people, both local members and international visitors."

These volunteers are part of a diverse and talented group of enthusiastic people. They enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with others, making friends, and being part of an interesting and rewarding volunteer program.

At this year's Volunteer Recognition event more than 88 volunteers received awards for up to 35 years they have given to the community through the Royal BC Museum.

For more information on the latest activities, events and exhibitions at the Royal BC Museum, visit
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca<http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca> or call 1-888-447-7977.
-30-
Media contact:    Royal BC Museum Media Inquiries
250-387-3207
news at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca<mailto:news at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca>

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