OTTAWA SENATORS GOODWILL AMBASSADORS

Who are the Ottawa Senators GWA

The Ottawa Senators Goodwill Ambassadors (GWAs) are a community-based volunteer organization, independently operating in support of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, and local charities. Established in 1992-93, the first season the Senators returned to the NHL, the GWAs are a group of predominantly retired individuals that love hockey and wish to give back to the community.

The Goodwill Ambassadors serve as greeters and information providers for the fans at all Senators home games and other hockey club events. As needed, they are responsible for the distribution of gameday handouts, such as bobble heads, calendars, hockey cards, and other promotional items.

CHARITABLE CAUSES

ott-gwa-charity

In addition to helping on game days, the Goodwill Ambassadors support local charities with funds received from the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and club sponsors, in recognition of the services provided by the GWAs.

Through this initiative, the GWA organization has donated over $375,000 to charitable causes since 1992-93. Some of the current and past recipients of these donations include the Ottawa Heart Institute, Kanata Food Cupboard, Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice, and Hockey Fights Cancer.

RECRUITMENT

GWA candidates are identified by name referral from existing members of the organization or by submission of resumes though other related sources.

The basic requirements include:

  • Availability to work at least 75% of Senators home games.
  • Available for evening games by reporting at 4:30 p.m. or earlier for afternoon games.
  • Retired or a flexible work shift that allows involvement in activities during the normal workday (e.g. placing towels on seats).
  • Willingness to undertake other game day assignments.
  • Physical condition permitting standing for 2.5 hours.
  • Demonstrated interest in the provision of volunteer services.
  • Good communication skills and personal suitability.
  • Bilingualism is an asset, but not required.

Interviews are only scheduled on an as needed basis, as the annual GWA turnover is usually very low.