I really hope that next year if i am still in the area i will be a lot more involved with the Marathon planning because i really enjoyed this weekend and i feel that there are so many ways the marathon could ‘better’ itself.  A special congratulations to all the members of the committee of which whom made everything run smoothly and a pat on the back to all the hard working volunteers. A job well done!

Now begins my search for the next project.. any thoughts?

Around 100 people attended which was a little disappointing seeing over 400 invitations were sent out but it didn’t damper my spirit. I had my duties so nothing else mattered. I kicked off with my opening speech around 6 which was a little later than I had planned. I welcomed the volunteers and touched on the Halifax Fires a few weeks ago and thanked the Mayor and his team, and the emergency services for their hard work which was met by a round of applause from the attendees. Following this Mayor Peter Kelly shared a few words of wisdom and said that he appreciates the work that people do and that people like them make what the community is today.

We went on to display a video of last years marathon. This was followed by speeches from Rod McCulloch & Gerry Walsh the founders and organisers. Included was speeches from the volunteer coordinators Amy, Jackie,  and Isabelle. It was nice to meet some of the volunteers. Most of what happened after this was general ‘mingling’ and enjoying a wonderful selection off food… of which 20% is now in our fridge.

I was also very pleased to introduce twitter to the mixer. It was just something to glance up at from time to time while passing through to speak to the volunteers. Yes! I took them into the 21st century and they liked it! Most of the Blue Nose committee had no idea that people were discussing Blue Nose online. So maybe we will see an official Twitter account appearing for them soon. (Though a personal note, Twitter next time choose a better time for maitnenece. sigh)

I think that seeing this was the first pre-mixer it went rather well. Amy has already asked if i will be ‘hands on’ with next year and i hope that from what everyone has learnt this year we and the committee can improve on years to come. I didn’t have much input on this year as i only agreed to do this several weeks ago but still i gladly offer my time for the good of the community.

Well i look forward to see you at the Marathon this weekend. I will be stationed at the Volunteer Lounge at the World Trade Centre and i am sure i will make my way out on to the route when i get chance. Oh and one other reminder. The Marathon after Party is taking place at the World Trade Convention Centre on Sunday May 17th starting at 7PM. Its set to be a fantastic evening so I hope you will all join us. Until then..

I hope to see you on the route.

All of the Pre-Mixer photographs can be found on Tara MacPhee’s blog.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The evening will consist of a few speeches from the organizers of the Marathon, other members of the committee and a few words from myself. Along with some light entertainment  See it as a night to mingle with fellow volunteers.

A week or so ago i was contacted by the Marathon Volunteer Chair Amy Wodz who is organising the Pre-Mixer, i offered to give some of my time towards this little event and offer my experience in similar activities.  The event starts at 5:30 and continues through till around 7 with speeches starting around 6. So i hope you can join us.

For those of you who are technically savvy, well we have some good news. I am hoping to introduce Twitter to this pre-mixer event so when discussing the Marathon online please use the new hash-tag #bluenose. Thats all folks. I look forward to meeting you all. Make sure you all come say hello.

Quick personal note, a special thanks to everyone who has wished me a Happy Birthday today. It’s not everyday you turn 21! Sad that i couldnt spend it with my family but lifes presses on. A special thanks to Tara for all her support recently. Shes a star ^^

AFTER EVENT POST HERE