Volunteers Wanted- Special Childrens Christmas Parties 2013

Community Larp discussion
#1

(Note to Mods, I wasn’t sure which thread this should go in, so please feel free to move it- thanks!)

Hi Guys, I know this is pretty short notice but I thought I’d put it out there for anyone who is interested.

The SCCP (Special Children’s Christmas Party) is basically a charitable event for chronically ill, disabled and disadvantaged children in our communities. A party is held in most major cities, usually on a Saturday from 10am until 3pm(?) for these children and their families, giving them food, rides, fun activities, and donated presents. A special Christmas treat!

For the last 2 years, myself and a few cosplayers and Outpost 42 members have helped out by cosplaying/roleplaying some child friendly characters (I go as Shrek each year to the Auckland event) at the parties, interacting with these children and their families, so that they enjoy themselves. This is an entirely voluntary event, which can be tiring, but is very rewarding for those who take part.

If you’re interested in participating, please feel free to contact me for further details,

Otherwise you can check out their website for sponsors: sccpnz.co.nz/index.php which has pictures to give an idea about what goes on.

The dates this year are:

7th December- Christchurch; CBS Canterbury Arena
8th December (Sunday)- Wellington; Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua
14th December- Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane.

Let me know if you have any questions :slight_smile:

Thanks
Tim Fu

#2

Hi guys, thank you to the people who have contacted me, here is some information about the upcoming party in Auckland this Saturday
(December 14th). It’s held at the ASB showgrounds- where the Armageddon Expo was.

The organizer for the whole event is named Mark. There is a big group meeting at 10.30am where he rallies the troops (all volunteers and helpers) and gives you an outline for the day. The famlies are let in soon after and continues for as long as is needed to get all the children their presents.

So best to be there between 9.30am-10am if you need to get into costume there (the upstairs toilets should be safe to use), or 10-10.15am if you’re already in costume. For Auckland the doors are the ones that were closest to the info booth at Auckland Armageddon. There will be a line of families waiting to get in, politely walk past them and tell the person at the door you are part of the costumed helpers. If you’re unsure where to go, just look for the line of kids, and go in front of them :slight_smile:

If we all make sure to meet inside near the the info booth that was at about 10, 1015 we can then all head in to the main hall and listen to the speech :slight_smile:

In terms of what to do:

  1. You can roam the main hall and encourage participation with games or other activities.
  2. You can also welcome attendees at the main entrance which is best for those in costumes that are bulky or difficult to move in. There is a steady flow through the day so is still an important part :slight_smile:
    I find that it’s good to welcome families for the first hour or two (provided we are not holding up the queue of families coming in), then roam around the floor in small groups.

The day usually ends between 2-3pm and you are not expected to stay to the very end. Even 10-12 is a full on day in costume :slight_smile: There is a room upstairs where snacks and hot tea are provided. I keep forgetting to take a time out and wind up crashing up there from about 1.30. Note that this is predominantly a lunch room for sponsors and their children, but feel free to crash there when your feet get sore.

There is a volunteer tent inside the main hall too. Usually directly beside the stage so we can leave bags there. Again I’ll try and be there earlyish so can be a point of contact :slight_smile: It probably is a better idea to use the upstairs toilets for changing so as to keep the tent fairly clear for other volunteers to use.

If you get lost, just look/ask for me Tim/Shrek, and let me know if you have any questions. I’ll keep my cellphone on me, just send me a message now, and I’ll give you my number.

Thanks again,
Tim :mrgreen: