The Runner
Organised fete organisers know they can be run off their feet on fete day without having to run after supplies and small change. That’s a job for …runners.
Fetes use an army of volunteers—from stall coordinators and sales assistants to erection and demolition crews, parking attendants, spruikers, baristas and sausage sizzlers.
But often a really useful role that everyone benefits from is overlooked when volunteer positions are being filled.
It’s the role of the runner.
What a fete runner does
In the film industry this person would be called a ‘go-fer’: ‘go for this and go for that’.
You may also think of the person as a ‘floater’—not dedicated to a specific stall or stand but moving around—mostly, but not always, within the fete grounds.
This is the person who a harried stall coordinator can call on to fetch extra supplies from on-site storage.
This is the person who may need to jump in a car and pick up stock from a supplier.
This can also be the person who runs from stall to stall delivering small change or even refreshments.
What you need in a fete runner
It’s likely you need a small team of runners: think relay team.
These are active responsible volunteers with stamina. A good sense of humour helps too.
At least one of your runners will need a driver’s licence and car (in case of emergency supply pick-ups).
Runners’ movements need some coordination: a team controller, someone who knows who is where and can make good use of these ‘foot soldiers’.
Each runner needs a mobile to receive texts providing directions for the next ‘assignment’.
4 ways to support fete runners
- Keep your runners hydrated. Provide plenty of bottled water.
- Think relay. Delegate in turns so they’re not worn out too soon.
- Have a list of suppliers for emergency stock. Better still, supply a map for easy identification.
- If a runner needs to go offsite to pick up emergency stock, pre-arrange priority parking. The time – and steps – saved will be worth it.
