The spirit of volunteerism is in high demand along B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky corridor, where organizers have opened a recruiting office in hopes of attracting five-thousand volunteers to help with Whistler's alpine events during the 2010 Olympic Games.
A sports display, including a curling rink, was erected to encourage the crowd. But the most poignant display was likely the fold up bed, complete with 2010 mascot and fluffy pillows.
The display underscores a problem anticipated by Vancouver's 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC). In addition to finding people who have the time to work for free, those thousands of volunteers will need to find a place to stay.
It's a situation made even more difficult by the number of residents lured by large sums of cash, who plan to rent their homes out.
"I know a lot of people in our complex who are renting and getting some pretty impressive numbers," says Chris Green, who owns property in Whistler.
It's the reason why the push for volunteers in Squamish, just a half hour outside of Whistler, is in full force. While applications are being sent in from volunteer hopefuls clear across the country, those who live in the area have a distinct advantage.
"It's really a long day when you're volunteering so it really would be great to come home and rest at the end of the day without much travel," says VANOC's Donna Wilson.
And even if not everyone at the Squamish facility wants to volunteer, they're encouraged to house someone who will.
"I have a spare bedroom and we're going to be having someone stay in our place during the games," says Squamish resident Lynn Gadsby.
There's still about 18 months to get your name on the list.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Sarah Galashan.
