National Volunteer Week: Marian, White Hatter

Today we're celebrating Marian who's been volunteering as a White Hatter for six years.

Shift: Wednesday, 2 - 6 p.m.

Start Date: May 4, 2013

Age:

I turned 80 on December 27, 2018.

How long have you been volunteering for YYC?

It will be six years on May 4.

How often do you volunteer?

Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. is my regular shift but I do come in for hot shifts and I’m a GO Team member so I do come in when necessary. [The Go Team are mentors to all White Hat Volunteers, support to shift mates and trusted advisors to new volunteers and a welcoming influence for volunteers covering shifts.]

I try to sign up for special events but don’t always get picked. I enjoy coming to the airport, it’s always interesting, lots going on and lots to learn.

Why do you volunteer at YYC?

I enjoy helping people, love the airport atmosphere, travelled an awful lot in my lifetime and been through many airports. We are blessed in YYC to have the White Hat program.

What’s your favourite experience or story you have to share from working at YYC?

About two years ago, a lady from Saskatoon, due to weather, had to stay overnight. She was not a traveler and I found her wandering around in arrivals where she had retrieved her luggage. She didn’t know what to do or where to stay. I talked to WestJet to get her a hotel and a new flight next morning. She wrote a beautiful letter to my supervisor about how I was helpful, and she wanted to buy me flowers but I declined. I spent a lot of time with her that night because she was stressed. I went home feeling like I’d done some good. I have had other experiences for sure but the feedback she gave me made it stand out and helped me to feel appreciated.

What are you up to when you’re not volunteering?

Travel with my husband, golfing, volunteering at church, attending the Legion. All of our family is in Calgary – except one granddaughter is at school in Guelph playing volleyball.

Anything else we should know about you?

In my time here I’ve gotten to know a lot of the staff and we’re a big group now. Everybody says they’ve got the best shift and I agree with that. I hope the others on my shift feel the same way about me. I’m a bit of a den mother.

Thank you Marian for all that you do here at YYC to make our airport a great place to visit. Click here to read more about our White Hat volunteer program.

National Volunteer Week runs from April 7 – 13. The Calgary Airport Authority wouldn’t be the same without our volunteers. To honour our volunteers during this week, we’re profiling one each day during National Volunteer Week. We’re also celebrating our White Hatters with a dinner and dance on April 7, and we’re thanking our Pre-Board Pals with a fun evening on April 11. Take a moment this week to thank a volunteer. They all make the guest experience extra special here at YYC and we couldn’t do it without them.