OFFERING “a true sense of welcome” is a pivotal part of the World Youth Day experience, says WYD08 Brisbane Secretariat’s Kerry Mulkerin, who is searching for hundreds of volunteers.
Mr Mulkerin is at the helm of the local drive for 300 volunteers to greet and assist the 6000 overseas pilgrims who will be visiting Brisbane on their way to Sydney in July.
With about100 helpers registered, he said “many people have a role to play and can be involved”.
“Volunteers don’t have to be going on to Sydney,” Mr Mulkerin said.
“They can still have a role in the Heart of the City events, in welcoming people at the airport or in taking pilgrims over to ACU (Australian Catholic University, for central registration).”
Volunteers are required to be 18 years and older, ideally in the “18 to 35 age bracket”.
“I want to stress that even the oldies who volunteer are very welcome. They are loyal, faithful and reliable,” Mr Mulkerin said.
Heart of the City, to be held at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane on July 12, will be one of the highlight events of the Days in the Diocese celebrations leading up to World Youth Day.
Thousands are expected to take part in “a fiesta of faith” including music, entertainment, food and displays, as well as time and space for prayer and reflection.
The Brisbane leg of the pilgrimage, featuring a Days in the Diocese program from July 10 to 14 and other local events such as Youth Arise, will be a new experience for the archdiocese.
To assist as a volunteer and be decked out in volunteer attire, contact Mr Mulkerin on mulkerink@bne.catholic.net.au or (07) 3336 9229.
Alternatively visit www.wydbrisbane.org.au, click on “support” and then “local volunteers” to register interest and availability.
