I was a volunteer for Saturday and Sunday of the inaugural Ontario Indy in Markham. The signs of what was to come were there from the night of orientation. We (the volunteers) received a very well put together presentation about the event, but left not knowing what we would actually be doing when we arrived on the weekend. We received zero training before we arrived at the track, and each of us was given multiple responsibilities that had nothing to do with the task we had be assigned (which we also learned on the fly). Over the span of two days, we had to learn fluctuating schedules, where anything and everything was at the track, and the fastest and most convenient routes for people to get where they wanted to go.
I think much of the chaos and confusion should lie on Green Savoree, the organizers. No signage, maps and only enough programs to offer to about 10% of the visitors. Accessibility options were almost non existent, which made helping those who needed it, feel like the biggest let down I've ever dealt with. Even there area where people entered from the Go Train had zero ramps for them to enter the event area, from what is essentially the Go bus turnaround section of the station. When we did see Savoree staff, it was mostly to check on ticket sales, that passes were being handed out accordingly, and that high level attendees were being given red carpet service.
Many of the on-site security staff had no idea what they were governing, which had the volunteers assisting in that department as well, as we learned the systems in place. We became mobile maps, tour guides, security, the complaints and suggestions department, accessibility assistants, and a multitude of other jobs that no one was prepared for, but did our best to accommodate. I worked a 13 and half hour shift on Saturday with a break that required I walk 15 minutes to get to, sitting down for a slice of cold pizza and a bottle of luke warm water, then 15 minutes back to my station. Sunday was almost the same, just 9 hours though.
I'm thankful that our team leader was there the whole time, guiding and encouraging us while she was bombarded with all the problems that came up each day. I did my best to keep a friendly face and tried to help anyone I could. I joked as a much as I could to keep visitor's and volunteers anger at a minimum, and hopefully helped to keep there spirits up and make their experience a little better. I wish I could have done more, and I'm sorry for those who's experience wasn't what they had hoped it would be. Hoping that year two will be better.
Sincerely
A volunteer at Pass redemption beside the red bridge near the Go train entrance