Day 1: Meeting the Queen of Keys

After a warm welcome by the Volunteer Support Services (VSS) staff, I was introduced to a few other volunteers. A charming and cheerful bunch of Whistler locals, most of whom had already worked multiple shifts in December. They kindly showed me the ropes of being a 'vol-y.'
What does the VSS staff do? Under the guidance of our energetic supervisors, we work in teams to get the athletes' housing units ready for move in. Today this included testing electrical plugs, windows, blinds, locks on bedside tables, hot water tests, putting up room numbers and emergency evacuation instructions, and testing the keys to front and interior doors. The team moves through a unit with purpose, but there is still a bit of time to chat and get to know people.
I learned that the work will be a mix of indoors and outdoors, so clothing choice is a bit of a challenge. How to dress warm enough for outside, without roasting when indoors. Slip off boots are a must for the many entrances and exits into the housing units.

These units will become much needed permanent housing for Whistler-ites in August.

I had an orientation and safety training, along with some of the men who will be actually running security in the Village, construction workers, and housekeeping people. At the conclusion, we receive our 'load in' pass, which serves as our identification on site until later in January when we receive our official accreditation and uniforms.

The site is gorgeous, nestled in the valley with snow covered peaks all around. The street lights are in the shape of the Olympic torch. There are multiple buildings to house the 800 athletes who will start arriving in Whistler January 29, as well a many enormous white tents that will provide the round the clock services for everyone. One of these is the food service tent. I learned that after "lock down" volunteers can't bring their own food or beverages on site; meals will be provided. The VSS trailer is close to the this tent :)

After a lunch break I was introduced to the 'queen of keys'. She is in charge of all the keys in the Village, both electronic and traditional. I spent a couple of hours helping set the electronic locks in the building where the US and Australian teams will be housed. I'm a pro now; but my husband says I shouldn't be too eager to list this new skill on my resume.

The day finished with more key related work back in the trailer. We had to cut and prepare lots of mini boxes that will actually be used to hand the keys out to the various nations. I am very impressed with all the planning and organization involved and the incredible level of detail to ensure that things will go smoothly when the athletes arrive.