Home > Organizations > Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge > Chess-a-thon Event Volunteer
Event
Populations Served
- Adults
- Seniors
- Young Adults
Competencies/Skills
- Adaptability & Resourcefulness
- Decision Making
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Social Skills
Opportunity last updated: August 19th
Chess-a-thon Event Volunteer
Barrier-Free Access- Suitable for Groups
- Suitable for Seniors
Chess for Life is hosting a 24-hour Chess-a-thon fundraiser on Saturday, November 7th to the 8th, 2026 to support our ongoing programming in the community. Participants will challenge themselves to raise a minimum of $500 and then take on the ultimate chess endurance challenge: playing chess continuously from November 7th at noon, until noon on November 8th, 2026.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run games and activities, and to help keep participants fed, hydrated, entertained, and motivated throughout the event. Whether you’re a chess enthusiast or have never played before, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Volunteer Duties
Depending on your role and shift, volunteers may help with:
- Event setup: Preparing the space, tables, chairs, chess boards, decorations, food stations, and other supplies.
- Event takedown: Cleaning and returning the space to its original condition after the event.
- Food & refreshments: Serving, and replenishing food, snacks, coffee, water, and other refreshments.
- Games & activities: Leading or assisting with fun activities, challenges, and breaks to keep participants engaged throughout the 24 hours.
- Participant support: Helping participants find the venue, get checked in, and ensuring they have a positive and welcoming experience.
- Energy & encouragement: Keeping spirits high during overnight hours through encouragement, conversation, games, and activities.
- Cleanliness & organization: Keeping the event space, food areas, and equipment clean and organized-Photography/social media: Helping capture photos and highlights from the event, where appropriate.
Age Requirements
18+
Other Requirements
- No chess experience is required! Volunteers can participate in whatever capacity they are comfortable with, and we’ll provide any training or instructions needed. The most important requirements are enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to help us keep our Chess-a-thon participants going for 24 hours!
Schedule
We are looking for volunteers to take shifts throughout the event, ideally in a minimum of 2-hour blocks. We are open to different options that might work for volunteers.
Time Commitment
Event-based
Type of Opportunity
Behind the Scenes,Food Preparation & Distribution,Fundraising,Health, Wellness & Recreation,Sports & Leisure
Application Type
Advanced
Other Opportunities with Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge
Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge (C4L) is a faculty-developed organization dedicated to improving lives through teaching chess skills that are transferable to everyday life. C4L works with a variety of groups, ages and skill levels to help participants develop executive functions and pro-social life skills.
C4L was originally created as a unique, restorative justice program, where youth that had been sentenced to community service hours could come to the University of Lethbridge for 25 hours of chess instruction. While this is still our main program, C4L has expanded to exist in elementary and secondary schools, seniors homes, community organizations and the Lethbridge Correctional Centre.
No experience in chess is needed to volunteer – come and learn with the populations we work with! Our participants vary in their experience levels, as do our volunteers. Whether you’re a beginner or a ranked FIDE player, you will absolutely learn something during your time with C4L.
Thanks for your interest in this volunteer position!
We'll just need a bit of information so we can pass your application along to Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge.