Junior AMBASSADORS AT YLW I
nnovation is truly becoming a leading asset for Kelowna International Airport when it comes to working
with the airline industry. The new body scanning security screening technology now in effect in major airports in Canada was first tested in Kelowna. Now, YLW is the first airport in all of North America to pioneer a Junior Ambassadors program.
It is designed as an extension of the highly visible and successful Ambassadors program that has operated at Kelowna International since 2000. The regular program enlists the voluntary services of 70 retired seniors.
“We aim to be the first smiling face a passenger sees when they arrive at our airport,” states Ambassador organizer Albert (Abby) Sones, who worked as an aircraft mechanic for CP Air for 21 years. “We want to be outwardly friendly in trying to help travellers who require information about Kelowna and the area, who may need assistance with wheelchairs, or who may need help with their luggage. Generally we try to relieve any tensions that may arise for anyone flying.”
Junior Ambassadors is offered through the Central Okanagan School District and it’s Leadership Program. Students are required to log in 150 hours of volunteer time in order to graduate and this program is designed in concert with Kelowna International to provide them an opportunity to volunteer in their community, while giving the students a
| BY RON MANZ
chance to also get a taste of the airline industry should they want to consider that as a career option in future.
Sharyn-Louise Morton is a grade 11 student at Rutland Senior Secondary in Kelowna. She is one of 13 girls and one boy who are currently registered and working as Junior Ambassadors. The students are all in grades 10 and 11 and are 16 or 17 years old, attending Rutland Secondary, Mt. Boucherie Secondary in West Kelowna and George Elliott Secondary in Winfield.
“I love meeting new people and lending a helping hand to whoever needs it,” noted Morton who completed six hours of training prior to starting her first shift at the airport and like every junior ambassador is always partnered with a senior ambassador.
“The response from the public has been phenomenal towards these youngsters” laughs Sones. “We now have 84 ambassadors with the 14 students and every time we mention these kids are helping us help the public, it just brings smiles to traveller’s faces.”
The Ambassadors are also training the students to return luggage carts to the lock-up racks and any money collected goes directly into a collection jar and is distributed to the three local food banks and the Sunshine Foundation. To date they have donated nearly $50,000 or an average of $6,000 per year. Its another activity the teens like Sharyn-Louise believe makes this volunteer job so interesting and rewarding.
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Kelowna SUMMER 2010 | 9
While Junior Ambassadors is providing these students with new life-enhancing experiences, the entire program is also being scrutinized by other airports and will very likely be used as a blue print for any copy-cat versions that may eventually be established. Score another innovation for YLW.
Summer fun at the lake!
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