Volunteer Support Team – Role Descriptions
Cycle of Hope support team volunteers play a critical role in the safety, success, and overall experience of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba cycling events. These volunteers ensure riders are supported both on and off the road, risks are mitigated, and daily operations run smoothly in often remote and changing environments. Support team members are ambassadors of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba and are expected to act professionally, collaboratively, and with a strong focus on participant safety and wellbeing.
All support team roles are volunteer positions. Training and orientation will be provided where required.
Position Title: Volunteer – General Support
Position Summary
The General Support Volunteer provides essential operational, safety, and rider-support services throughout the Cycle of Hope event. This role requires flexibility, strong situational awareness, and a willingness to assist wherever needed to ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for all participants.
Required Training & Certifications
General Support Volunteers must hold, or be willing to obtain, the following certifications:
- Standard First Aid with CPR and AED through an accredited organization (e.g., St. John Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross)
- Safe Food Handler Certification through an accredited organization
The following is considered an asset:
- Ability to tow and safely maneuver event trailers
Training will be provided where required.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Incident Response
- Provide basic first aid to riders, volunteers, staff, or other event personnel as required
- Complete incident documentation and notify HFHM staff whenever first aid is administered
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, near-misses, or potentially dangerous situations to HFHM staff
- Monitor cyclists for signs of fatigue, dehydration, or medical distress and escalate concerns when necessary
Route & Ride Operations
- Assist with route reconnaissance and placement of directional signage prior to or during ride days
- Remove and collect route signage after riders pass through
- Act as a designated sweep, following the final riders of the day
- Assist with safely removing cyclists and bicycles from the route if riding is cancelled or suspended
- Support decision-making related to ride cancellations due to unsafe weather conditions (e.g., lightning or severe storms)
Rider & Equipment Support
- Provide basic mechanical assistance such as tire inflation and tube or tire changes
- Assist with racking and un-racking bicycles from vehicle-mounted racks or the bike trailer (“the Dino”)
- Transport cyclists and bicycles when required
Rest Stops & Logistics
- Set up, maintain, staff, and tear down rest stops
- Provide food, hydration, garbage management, and rider support at rest stops
- Communicate with HFHM staff or the Trail Boss when the first and last riders arrive and depart
Food & Accommodation Support
- Assist the Food Support Team as required with:
- Meal preparation
- Transporting food and cooking equipment
- Set up and tear down of lunch stops
- Dishwashing, garbage, and recycling management
- Assist with accommodation setup and teardown at daily overnight locations
Community & Event Experience
- Support post-ride activities such as fire pits, games, trivia, sing-alongs, or social gatherings
- Provide constructive feedback and daily input to HFHM staff and event leadership
Commitment & Expectations
Support Team Volunteers must be adaptable, team-oriented, and prepared for long days that may include early mornings, extended hours, and physically demanding tasks. Volunteers should be comfortable working in changing conditions and travelling between locations each day.
In return, volunteers are an integral part of the Cycle of Hope community and play a direct role in advancing Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s mission of building safe, affordable housing.
Appendix A – Typical Daily Routine (General Support)
Daily routines vary depending on location, weather, and rider needs. The schedule below represents a typical day during a point-to-point ride of approximately 100 km.
Position Title: Volunteer – Food Support
Position Summary
Food Support Volunteers manage the planning, preparation, and delivery of meals and refreshments throughout the Cycle of Hope event. This role ensures riders and volunteers remain well-fuelled during demanding cycling days and requires strong organizational skills, teamwork, and adaptability.
Required Training & Certifications
Food Support Volunteers must hold, or be willing to obtain:
- Standard First Aid with CPR and AED
- Safe Food Handler Certification
Training will be provided where required.
Food Support Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Event Preparation
- Assist with meal planning that accommodates dietary restrictions (e.g., lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies)
- Estimate ingredient quantities based on the number of participants and available kitchen facilities
- Shop for groceries, drinks, and supplies (typically multiple shopping trips)
- Organize cooking equipment including pots, pans, BBQs, propane, and utensils
- Inventory eating utensils (plates, bowls, cutlery)
- Prepare and organize the food trailer prior to departure
- Pack and secure all food supplies and equipment
Daily Meal Operations
Breakfast
- Prepare coffee and breakfast service
- Set up and maintain the breakfast serving area
- Clean and sanitize food preparation and eating areas
- Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils
- Pack food storage and coolers for transport
- Manage garbage and recycling
Lunch
- Arrive at the lunch location before cyclists
- Set up and serve lunch
- Prepare hot towels for riders when appropriate
- Maintain food quantities until all riders have eaten
- Clean and pack equipment and coolers
- Remove garbage and recycling
- Purchase or prepare food for dinner when required
Dinner
- Arrive at the evening location before riders
- Set up the eating area and unpack food trailer
- Confirm inventory and adjust meal plans if necessary
- Prepare and serve dinner
- Clean kitchen and eating areas
- Prepare breakfast items for the next day
- Replenish support bins with food and beverages
Daily Operational Tasks
- Attend brief planning meetings with event staff
- Monitor food inventory and prepare shopping lists
- Clean and maintain coolers and ice supplies
- Manage garbage, recycling, and food waste
- Pack trailers and vehicles for transport to the next location
Post-Event Responsibilities
- Distribute remaining food supplies appropriately
- Sort and label equipment for future HFHM events
- Clean and repack the food trailer
- Return unopened food items where possible
Community & Event Experience
- Support post-ride social activities such as fire pits, games, and group gatherings
- Provide constructive feedback to HFHM staff and event leadership
Commitment & Expectations
Food Support Volunteers must be adaptable, organized, and comfortable working long days that include early mornings, travel between locations, and physically demanding tasks.
Volunteers must also be willing to sleep in shared accommodations such as community halls, schools, or church facilities and respect all participants and volunteers.
Food Support Volunteers are a vital part of the Cycle of Hope community and directly contribute to the success of the event and the mission of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.
Appendix B – Typical Daily Schedule (Food Support)
