Volunteers for the 2025 Annual Show

Volunteers make the annual Southern Ontario Orchid Society Show and Sale happen. Come be part of the fun.

PLEASE EMAIL WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION to ☞ : volunteer@soos.ca
  1.   Your Name.
  2.   Your e-mail address and phone number.
  3.   The volunteer opportunity that you are interested in.
  4.   Day(s) and time(s) you are available to volunteer.
  5.   Special needs or abilities.
  6.   If not a member of SOOS, why do you want to volunteer?

Volunteer Opportunities

  1. General set-up
  2. Plant mover
  3. Kitchen hospitality
  1.   Clerking for show ribbons (7:30 am to 11:00 am)
  2.   Admission and welcome desk
  3.   Coat and plant hotel
  4.   Show operations; greet and direct visitors
  5.   Kitchen hospitality
  1.   Admission and welcome desk
  2.   Coat and plant hotel
  3.   Youth program
  4.   Show operations; greet and direct visitors
  5.   Kitchen hospitality
  6.   Teardown

Job Descriptions :

Admission and welcome desk : The most important volunteer job going. Greet our visitors with a smile while processing their payment.

Clerking for ribbon judging ( 7:30 am to 11 am ) : At the crack of dawn Saturday, the judges gather to evaluate every bloom and to award ribbons. Each team of judges is assigned 2 or 3 clerks to record decisions and to place ribbons on the awarded plants. If you are new to orchids, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the experts.

Coat and plant hotel : Purchases and bags are not allowed into the Floral Hall. We offer a free coat and plant check to make our visitor’s time more enjoyable.

Kitchen hospitality : Like an army, the SOOS show marches on its stomach. Help refresh our volunteers and vendors preparing food, making coffee and of course, washing dishes. There is great satisfaction in feeding the weary orchid lover.

Youth progam (Sunday only) : If we have sufficient volunteers, youth and parents can go to the Library to learn about orchids on Sunday afternoon. This is not a babysitting service.

Plant mover : Assist exhibitors and vendors to move plants inside and out of winter’s fury quickly. A great way to meet appreciative vendors!

Show operations : Perfect job for those who like to orchestrate the flow of visitors.

General setup ( Friday ) : See the show take shape by arranging tables, putting up signage, and helping to set up the SOOS exhibits.

Teardown : Teardown on Sunday should be underway by 4:15.