September 14, 2009

French-speaking volunteers find chance to connect at Writers Festival

(September 14, 2009 – Vancouver, BC) When Anne-Laure Paulmont arrived in Vancouver two years ago, fresh from Paris, she wanted a way to meet people in the city. Spotting an ad for volunteers in the French-language newspaper, she signed up to help with the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Now three years later, she not only has contacts with the Vancouver community, she also has met French-speaking authors from around the world.

“It’s the first thing I did when I arrived in Vancouver, and I love it,” Paulmont says. “I make arrangements with my work schedule now to make sure I have time to volunteer.”

She recalls with pleasure the interesting conversations she had while escorting authors such as Faïza Guène, Sylvain Meunier, Michel Noël, Geoffroy de Pennart and Sylvie Desrosiers. “Geoffroy drew gigantic sketches of two of his characters for my children. They’re still “displayed” at home,” she says.

The Writers Festival depends on between 250 and 300 volunteers every year to make sure the 100 writers and 14,000 readers are transported, seated and satisfied. In particular demand this year are French-speaking volunteers who could be available during the daytime for the many school events set for the week of the Festival, October 18 to 25. Volunteers often assist with box office and book sales as well, so experience handling cash or credit card sales is especially needed.

French-speaking volunteers are encouraged to call the Writers Festival’s volunteer coordinator, Kathryn Fowler, at 604.681.6330, ext. 101. More details on volunteering are available at www.writersfest.bc.ca.

Editor: Interviews can be arranged with Anne-Laure Paulmont or Kathryn Fowler. Please contact:

Judith Walker
Media Relations Manager
Vancouver International Writers Festival – Oct. 18-25, 2009
604.921.4029
media@writersfest.bc.ca