The Tavria Ukrainian Dance Ensemble often draws a good crowd at their performances, but high overhead costs mean the non-profit has to frequently fundraise.
“We have monthly rent, we have administration costs. We have to pay instructors,” volunteer Vince Baryluk explained.
As part of their fundraising efforts, the non-profit dance group looks to Rider games. They volunteer their time to work the concession stands.
On average, they raise close to $1,000 a game, and close to $10,000 a season.
Baryluk said the group is getting nervous because of the uncertainty about next year.
“We have yet to hear anything as to [what] their decision is,” Baryluk explained.
“We are getting a little nervous because with only two games left this season and into mid-October, we haven’t heard anything.”
According to organizers, it’s because the plan is still in the works. Evraz Place’s Graham Edge said they are in the early stages but are gathering a list of existing volunteer groups to contact.
“We didn’t really know who the groups were that was working in Mosaic One, so we’re finally getting to hear from them, getting them on the list, and we’re putting a volunteer plan,” Edge explained.
He said they have every intention of continuing the volunteer concessions program. It’s a model he said has worked very well in previous years.
“From my perspective, I was always going to stick with the volunteer model being used now,” Edge explained.
“I think the Riders did a great job putting that program together.”
The North Central Community Association is also waiting on news about their role in the new stadium.
Volunteers currently collect Sarcan recyclables as part of a go-green initiative, paid on an honorarium basis. Any surplus from the program goes back to the community.
Executive director Michael Parker said it provides their volunteers with some extra cash, as well as free entrance to the Riders game.
“The total program on average is about $40,000,” Parker said.
He said they will be volunteering at the first test game on October 1st in the new Mosaic Stadium. He said anything after that is up in the air, but he remains optimistic.
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“We’ve been communicating with Evraz Place and Roughriders… We’re hopeful that we can work something out,” Parker explained.
Evraz Place organizers said they expect to have a volunteer plan in place by the end of January.
They are encouraging any groups currently in the stadium to contact them.