Prince George, B.C. – The 2015 Canada Winter Games will continue its recruitment drive through the holiday season.

Manager of volunteer work force Christine Nicholls says they’re closing in on their goal of recruiting 4,500 people.

“The volunteer recruitment drive is going really well. We’re down to the short strokes. We’re looking for about 300 more people to fill in some gaps and to give us a bit of a buffer zone for games time.”

She says they’ve set a soft deadline of December 31 to register, but insists they’ll continue to welcome volunteers if spots remain available.

“We’d like to get as many people signed up by the end of the year as possible because we’ve got a great draw going on right now for a signed Alex Bilodeau (2010 gold medalist) print. But the reality is as we start scheduling we will continue to put people into the mix for as long as we can until the roles are filled.”

Nicholls says volunteers will receive “a phenomenal” clothing package which includes a winter coat, a toque and a long sleeved t-shirt and be required to commit 36 hours of service time.

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and those who complete a criminal record check will be eligible to perform the most desirable positions.

“If a criminal record check is completed and brought back to us we have the ability to put them anywhere within the games within the interests they’ve indicated. If they don’t get a criminal record check I’m only able to place them in roles that are in front of house functions at all of our venues (ushers, ticket-takers, general duties) They will not actually be able to get into the back of house areas at a venue or work with athletes directly.”

Nicholls encourages those interested in participating to go to the Canada Games website (click here) or to stop by their volunteer centre at 205-1302 Seventh Avenue (Monday to Friday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday’s from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“I think being a volunteer for the Canada Winter Games will be a magical experience for the volunteers. There’s going to be so much activity and excitement you really don’t want to miss out.”