Welcome

The Caribbean Days Festival took place July 26th to 27th at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver.

Flora Ali, who has been the volunteer coordinator for Caribbean Days for many years, has one of the largest hearts of all the volunteers at the festival. Flora hosts the volunteer booth, where volunteers sign in, stop for food and ask questions. She doesn't do it alone, though. Alongside her every year at the booth is her best friend, Shannon, as well as a few other volunteers. 

Hundreds of individuals volunteer at this festival, and many of them are familiar faces. It doesn't take long to be treated like family as a volunteer for Caribbean Days. Flora spends a lot of time giving out hugs and big similes to anyone who comes her way. It's all the unofficial things she does that make volunteering at this event special, like taking the time to order special t-shirt sizes for some of the volunteers and greeting people with warmth. Creating that family of volunteers is what makes people come back every year, and it contributes to the success of the festival's volunteer coordination. Many of the volunteers knew what to do and where to go with little guidance from Flora.

Tia Limon, new to Vancouver and a first-time volunteer at the festival, came out to Caribbean Days to connect with the Caribbean community and to meet some new people. She describes her experience this way: "I felt like part of the family, and I'm excited to
come back next year."

Flora is devoted to making this event a success every year and is known as a very special person at the festival. Her efforts are inspiring and much appreciated by the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Society, which organizes the festival. Nice work, Flora!

Also at the Caribbean Days Festival were the volunteers from St. John Ambulance. Ricci Silvo, first aid volunteer with the organization, is seen here helping a festival guest. She volunteered her time from early in the morning until late at night. These volunteers do important work, donating their time to make sure medical attention is there for the community if needed.

We recognize the efforts of these volunteers and enjoy sharing their stories. If you know of a special volunteer and would like to share their story, please contact us and tell us about them!