Interview with Judy MCWHIRTER - BUCKHORN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Judy McWhirter
Buckhorn Community Centre

Interview with Judy MCWHIRTER - BUCKHORN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Celebrating 35 Years

"Volunteers"

Getting "THE INSIDE SCOOP" Ontario Visited focuses on specific questions that may help festivals, events, organizers, and others interested in SUCCESS in their endeavors! For this edition, I was fortunate to grab a few moments with Judy McWhirter, Manager of the Buckhorn Community Centre.

Judy McWhirter has been involved with the Buckhorn Community Centre for 28 years. Starting as a part-time cleaner, she now has spent the last 26 years as the Manager. I wondered if Judy had any previous experience to which she tells me "no experience what so ever!" With the success of the Buckhorn Community Centre, it is clear that Judy was a quick study. Some of the daily duties/roles at the Centre include booking, creating event, managing volunteers and I would imagine lots more.

For many festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers! I said to Judy ..."You have a wonderful program available and in place Judy, congratulations! I will be writing "excerpts" from your program to share with THE INSIDE SCOOP readers, but I still have a few questions for you here. I asked Ms. McWhirter what she attributes the success and longevity the Buckhorn Community Centre. She replies ... "Our volunteers are awesome and dedicated to the BCC's success". I asked Judy if she could share with us some techniques on managing so many volunteers. She states ... "Always, Always, Always have coffee breaks, water, and snacks and feed them!" Also ... "You can never say thank you enough!"
 (To Be Continued)