Office manager Brenda Thorlakson was resplendent in the official B.C. Winter Games grey hoodie and, later, in a one-quarter zip Games pullover sweater.
Security chairman Gord Molendyk dazzled in B.C. Winter Games golf shirt and sweat pants which read “I kicked” over the buttocks.
Volunteer chairperson Sheryl Bolton sparkled in the Games’ military style hat and T-shirt.
But it was president Akbal Mund who wowed the crowd during the Winter Games’ souvenir fashion show when he walked the makeshift runway in a Games’ snowboard hoodie.
The fashion show, which demonstrated the souvenirs available for sale, highlighted the official opening of the Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games office, located in the old Vernon Flower Shop on 31st Avenue in downtown Vernon.
“To have the office open makes us feel like part of the community now,” said Mund, prior to his modelling debut. “The B.C. Games office is open and we invite people to come down, pick up some souvenirs and sign up as a volunteer for the Games.”
Greater Vernon will host the 2012 B.C. Winter Games Feb. 23-26, though one event will be held in Armstrong.
More than 60 people were on hand for the official office opening, enjoying the fashion show and delicious finger food and snacks from Gumtree Catering.
Mund said in the past week, 150 volunteers have signed up, bringing the total to more than 800. However, 2,000 volunteers will be needed for the Games.
“Through research, I’ve learned that 70 per cent of volunteers for the Games sign up in the last two months,” he said. “We’re at 40 per cent right now so that tells you how committed people have been in the community towards the Games.”
The souvenirs will be sold at the office, which is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and when Games volunteers go out to different locations to promote the event.
Media chairperson Dawn Tyndall explained that money from souvenirs sold in Vernon stays in the community.
“Souvenir sales show civic pride and every penny earned through Games’ souvenir sales stays with us,” said Tyndall.
Anybody wishing to volunteer can do so by visiting the office, going to the website – www.2012bcwintergames.ca – or calling the office at 250-550-2012.
