If you love people and airports, Beverley Fraser wants to share the fascinating opportunity to be an Airport Ambassador and to be a part of the 10th busiest and the largest municipality owned airport in Canada. Kelowna International Airport – or YLW – is our link to the world, offering more than 60 daily non-stop commercial flights with eight airlines. It is a buzzing hub of activity and it has been an incredible discovery for Beverley to be a part of the team, even though as a former flight attendant she has seen a lot of airports.
“The airline industry is fascinating in that it offers much to many,” explains Beverley. “Taking passengers to places of their dreams, servicing business clients, accommodating those who need to travel due to unfortunate circumstances and of course, there is the movement of goods through cargo.”
“The airport is part and parcel of the above but has a life of its own which is huge,” continues Beverley enthusiastically. “Until I started volunteering I had no idea of just how much goes on to keep an airport and the airlines going. There are so many employees doing so many jobs. From maintenance to the building, runways and planes, baggage handling, ground service which is huge and has so many employees. Watching a plane come in or depart, the number of staff that are involved in that operation is astounding. Then there is the retail end to it as well as security, the commissionaires and not to mention airline employees and airport administration and management. And woops – I almost forgot the ambassadors, ambassadogs and junior ambassadors.”
Beverley moved to the Okanagan three years ago after her husband passed away and she wanted to be closer to her family, especially the grandkids. She joined the Ambassador team just over two years ago to do something useful to do and to meet people. She hasn’t looked back since.
“I love walking into the airport to start my shift,” enthuses Beverley. “The airport is like a small village where everyone knows everyone. It has become my home away from home.”
The Ambassadors are committed to the delivery of a friendly atmosphere and facilitate the movement of passengers/people in YLW. and to provide passengers with a positive Customer Experience, treating every person with Dignity and Respect. The team answers questions, give directions and is part of the reason the airport is recognized for its friendliness.
“You must be friendly, want to help, be punctual and show up for your shift,” declares Beverley. “You also need to be able to push wheelchairs and to be on your feet four hours. A computer and current cell phone are also required.”
The program currently has 158 volunteers, as well as Ambassadogs who come with their humans to help calm passengers and to make people happy. The program also features Junior Ambassadors, who are high school students that volunteer for their community outreach program.
“Whatever their original reason for joining, friendship motivates them to stay,” emphasises Beverley. “Additional perks include two very special dinners during the year and free parking when on shift and/or going on vacation.”
Anyone interested in joining the ambassadors is welcome to email Beverley at bev-ambass@telus.net who will then arrange a meet and greet. If the program is a fit, then future ambassadors receive training and their special security pass. Full time Ambassadors are scheduled for one 4-hour shift/week while spares must complete two shifts per month. The program runs seven days a week, 7:30 am – 7:30 pm.
“It’s very rewarding, lots of fun and keeps me out of the mall,” laughs Beverley. “My favourite part is seeing the joy of reunion when a passenger arrives and meets their loved ones, and also sharing the sadness when a passenger leaves their loved ones.”
