Event Day Volunteer – AMD Coffee Connections (St. John's)

Location: The Lantern (35 Barnes Rd, St. John's, NL A1C 2E8)

Date: Monday, September 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. NDT (volunteers required from approximately 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Role Overview

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada. Over our 50-year history, FBC has contributed critical funding for the development of sight-saving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases. By raising and stewarding funds, FBC is helping drive forward research that supports our goal of understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed and how sight can be restored. We are an invaluable resource for individuals and families impacted by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through our website and educational events, as well as engaging with government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health policies.

We are looking for friendly Event Day Volunteers to support upcoming education and fundraising events, including Coffee Connections on Monday, September 14, 2026. Through this role, you will be part of a team that helps the event run smoothly and safely and creates a welcoming and accessible environment for participants.

As part of FBC’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, all Education Event Day Volunteers are expected to provide sighted guide support when assisting participants living with vision loss. Sighted guide training will be provided in advance of the event.

Responsibilities

• Set up tables, chairs, signage, and event materials according to accessible floor plans and site layout instructions provided by staff
• Dismantle tables, chairs, signage, and event materials and support cleanup after the event
• Welcome participants with enthusiasm, answer general questions, and provide directions to key areas such as seating, washrooms, and event spaces
• Guide participants to and from the staff-run registration table and support wayfinding before and after they have been registered by staff
• Set up, restock, and manage food and beverage stations, and assist with cleanup throughout and after the event
• In addition, all volunteers may be asked to provide sighted guide support, including:
• Assisting blind or partially sighted participants with safe navigation of event spaces
• Supporting arrival and departure, including navigation from transit points or vehicles if needed
• Guiding participants through unfamiliar environments using sighted guide best practices
• Helping participants locate key areas such as seating, washrooms, and event materials
• Remaining attentive to individual preferences and adjusting support as needed
• Communicating respectfully to enhance independence and comfort
• Flagging questions or concerns to FBC staff as they arise

Qualifications

• Friendly, reliable, and punctual
• Strong communication and people skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Comfortable standing for extended periods
• Comfortable working in active event environments
• Ability to provide physical guiding support when required (training provided)
• Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
• Set Up and Wrap Up tasks may require lifting and carrying objects up to 25 lbs — please reach out if you have any questions about physical requirements

Time Commitment

• We ask that you commit to 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026
• Volunteers should be available for their full assigned shift
• An orientation session will be provided in advance of the event

Location

• This is an in-person volunteer opportunity
• Event location: The Lantern (35 Barnes Rd, St. John's, NL A1C 2E8)
• Parking is available on-site at The Lantern
• Public transit: The Lantern is accessible by St. John’s Metrobus routes serving the surrounding Barnes Road and Topsail Road areas. Volunteers can use the Metrobus trip planner to confirm the best route and schedule from their location.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Make a meaningful difference for people living with vision loss
• Support accessibility and inclusion in community events
• Gain hands-on event operations experience
• Develop skills in communication, accessibility, and person-centred support
• Complete FBC sighted guide training, adding a recognized skill to your experience
• Receive confirmation of volunteer hours and a reference, if needed
• Lunch and snacks provided (if applicable to event)

To apply, please fill out the following application form: https://form.jotform.com/261824577459269

If you have any questions, please contact Ushany Kanagendiran at education@fightingblindness.ca or 1-800-461-3331 ext. 270.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, August 28, 2026. After we receive your application, we will review it and be in touch by Friday, September 4, 2026 to confirm your role and share next steps, including orientation and sighted guide training information.