Ottawa 2017 seeks 2017 volunteers for sesquicentennial celebrations

_ (press release) _ The Ottawa 2017 Bureau and Mayor Jim Watson, in collaboration with lead partner CIBC, invite Ottawa residents to become volunteers for Canada’s 150

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anniversary celebrations in the nation’s capital.

The Ottawa 2017 online volunteer registration system launched today. Interested individuals can sign-up for a unique volunteering experience at one of the many events taking place from January to December in 2017.

“Ottawa will be centre stage in 2017, as a record number of Canadians will come to their capital to celebrate Canada’s 150

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birthday,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “As we prepare for these once-in-a-lifetime, yearlong festivities, I am calling upon local residents to join Ottawa 2017’s team of volunteers and contribute to the success of the celebrations.”

Next year marks both Canada and CIBC’s 150

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anniversaries. With an impressive track record for active involvement in community events and charities, CIBC sees the milestone as another opportunity to give back and invest in the future of all Canadians.

“The passion and volunteer spirit of our employees is an integral part of CIBC’s culture and we’re very proud of the incredible work done by thousands of employees across the country who get involved in causes they feel passionate about,” said Monique Giroux, Vice-President, Sponsorship Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, CIBC. “We look forward to collaborating with the Ottawa 2017 volunteers, who will be part of the social legacy of the celebration and with their support will contribute to building a better tomorrow for our Country.”

Ottawa 2017 is looking for 2017 outgoing individuals, 16 years or older, to volunteer for activities throughout the year such as Red Bull Crashed Ice, the JUNO Awards, Picnic on the Bridge and the Canadian Videogame Awards.

“The momentum is building and we’ve already had hundreds of people come forward to say that they want to help in some way with the historic celebrations being planned,” said Guy Laflamme, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau. “We encourage and welcome people to join our dynamic volunteer team by providing their time, talent, and energy to make the celebrations memorable for everyone.”

Canada’s 150

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anniversary celebrations will offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-caliber experiences while bringing a record number of visitors to Ottawa in 2017 to celebrate this milestone.

Stay informed on plans for Canada’s 150

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birthday celebrations in the capital. Visit ottawa2017.ca , follow us on Twitter @2017ottawa (#Ottawa2017) and on Facebook .