Event Volunteer – Ird Coffee Connections

Location:

Halifax Forum – Maritime Hall (2901 Windsor St, Halifax, NS B3K 5E5)

Date:
Saturday, September 12, 2026

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ADT (volunteers required from approximately 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada. Over our 50-year history, FBC has contributed critical funding for the development of sight-saving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases. By raising and stewarding funds, FBC is helping drive forward research that supports our goal of understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed and how sight can be restored.

We are an invaluable resource for individuals and families impacted by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through our website and educational events, as well as engaging with government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health policies.

We are looking for friendly Event Day Volunteers to support upcoming education and fundraising events, including Coffee Connections on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Through this role, you will be part of a team that helps the event run smoothly and safely and creates a welcoming and accessible environment for participants.

As part of FBC’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, all Education Event Day Volunteers are expected to provide sighted guide support when assisting participants living with vision loss. Sighted guide training will be provided in advance of the event.

• Set up tables, chairs, signage, and event materials according to accessible floor plans and site layout instructions provided by staff
• Dismantle tables, chairs, signage, and event materials and support cleanup after the event
• Welcome participants with enthusiasm, answer general questions, and provide directions to key areas such as seating, washrooms, and event spaces
• Guide participants to and from the staff‑run registration table and support way finding before and after they have been registered by staff
• Set up, restock, and manage food and beverage stations, and assist with cleanup throughout and after the event
• Assisting blind or partially sighted participants with safe navigation of event spaces
• Supporting arrival and departure, including navigation from transit points or vehicles if needed
• Guiding participants through unfamiliar environments using sighted guide best practices
• Helping participants locate key areas such as seating, washrooms, and event materials
• Remaining attentive to individual preferences and adjusting support as needed
• Communicating respectfully to enhance independence and comfort
• Flagging questions or concerns to FBC staff as they arise

• Friendly, reliable, and punctual
• Strong communication and people skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Comfortable standing for extended periods
• Comfortable working in active event environments
• Ability to provide physical guiding support when required (training provided)

Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)

Set Up and Wrap Up tasks may require lifting and carrying objects up to 25 lbs — please reach out if you have any questions about physical requirements

We ask that you commit to 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026

Volunteers should be available for their full assigned shift

An orientation session will be provided in advance of the event

This is an in‑person volunteer opportunity

Event location:
Halifax Forum – Maritime Hall (2901 Windsor St, Halifax, NS B3K 5E5)

Parking lot available on Almon Street

Public transit:
The Halifax Forum is served by several Halifax Transit bus routes, including Routes 1, 7, 8, 9A/9B, and 29, with stops along Windsor Street, Young Street, Almon Street, and Robie Street, all within a short walk of the venue.

• Make a meaningful difference for people living with vision loss
• Support accessibility and inclusion in community events
• Gain hands‑on event operations experience
• Develop skills in communication, accessibility, and person‑centred support
• Complete FBC sighted guide training, adding a recognized skill to your experience
• Receive confirmation of volunteer hours and a reference, if needed
• Lunch and snacks provided (if applicable to event)