Please note that children must be 8 and older in order to be allowed on the bus runs.  You must be 16 or older to participate in the hospital visits and on the evening bus runs.

Registration Policies and Procedures for 2009

The MoC registration process has been adjusted to make it as fast and fair as possible while giving preference to returning elves for bus positions.  The goal is to maximize the experience for everyone while finishing earlier on Christmas Eve. 

There are a number of changes to the registration process intended to make the job simpler and more fair. 

 New ID cards will be issued only to new elves or to returning elves who require a new card.

 Elf registrations must be done in person by each elf.  (All other approaches have proven to be too onerous for our simple registration elf.)

The registration form has been simplified this year.

Why must I register?

All elves must be registered so that we can contact you, assign you to jobs and buses and cover you under our insurance. Only registered elves can sign up for jobs and buses.

How do I register?

All elves must complete and sign the current year registration form.

Where do I register?

Elf Registration for buses will be accepted only at the following locations and times:

Workshop Registration - Registration for the Christmas runs or other volunteering will occur on December 8, 2009 from 6.30 PM to 9:00 PM and December 12, 2009 from 9.00 AM to Noon. You can register on either one of these dates. The bus rosters will be organized within a week after this.

Where is the workshop?

401 33th Street NE

It is behind the old Ikea Building across form Marlbough Mall

What If I can't come in person?

You gotta come in personally.  We really want to meet you personally cause that’s just the kinda elves we are!.  However, if you are coming from out of town or have a really, really, really good reason, please email info@themagicofchristmas.org.  If Santa doesn't like your reason you will get ear-wax flavoured candy in your stocking. 

Info about the workshop:

The workshop will only be open on weekends and only on two week nights up until two weeks prior to Christmas, at which time we will switch into full-time mode.

How do I sign up for workshop jobs?

Registered elves may sign up for workshop jobs when they register.  But we have been known to be ecstatic when elves just drop by and help!

There will be sign up sheets for workshop jobs at all registration events. (see where do I register)

Do I get an ID Card?

If you are a new elf or just an elf that loses his ID card, you can get a brand new official ID card on registration nights.  If you have a card already, we will put a current year sticker on it.

We have a fully electronic ID system in place.  Except for the laminating of course which is why everyone has to stand in line for so long.  This year, we will take photos and then elves can pick up their ID cards at the shop in a couple of days.   

What workshop jobs can I sign up for?

Registered Elves may sign up for the following workshop jobs.  All jobs are subject to review by the executive committee.

Santa Shows  - Santas, elves, drivers

Workshop elves  - sorters, phone workers,

Van Drivers  - Transport elves and Santas to buses and hospitals on Christmas Eve

Hot Shots  - Deliver items to Santa on Christmas Eve such as bikes, trees and special gift requests.

 Costume Wranglers  - take care of elf and Santa costumes before, during and after Christmas Eve.

 Bus Loaders  -  organize and supervise loading of buses on Christmas Eve.

Bus Unloaders  - organize and supervise unloading of buses on Christmas Eve.

 Donation Boxes  - Assemble, deliver and retrieve MoC donation bins.

Sorters  - sort donations into bus bins

 Gift baggers  - bag gift toiletries and small gifts. 

Buses:

An eighth bus "Blitzen" has been generously provided by Calgary transit to make sure the last shift comes in at a decent time.
 

Children under 8 are not allowed on the buses.  This rule was unfortunately required to help us finish our shifts at a reasonable time so that our recipients and elves have the best experience possible.  Children are still welcome at the workshop and at Santa Shows.
 

Children under 16 are not allowed on the night shift.
 

Elves apply for bus positions by naming their preferred shifts, available shifts and any groupings that may apply.
 

The executive committee will assign bus positions after the second registration event and inform elves of the results.
 

Positions will be assigned with a preference to returning elves or to elves who have volunteered in other capacities, such as sorting, picking up donations, workshop help, participating in parade, etc.
 

A limited number of positions will be assigned to new elves.
 

Buses will be loaded under the supervision of specially appointed elves from the workshop.

When and where do I sign up for bus positions?

Bus sign up only happens on the two workshop registration dates.  The executive committee  will assign positions following the last date and inform you of the position by phone or email.

What if I didn't get the bus position I wanted?

Remember that we are a volunteer organization and we will do the best we can for everyone.  We are trying to keep the MoC healthy by making sure returning elves make up the majority of bus positions so that new elves can learn in the best environment while our recipients and everyone has the best possible Christmas Eve experience.  If you have been assigned to a different bus than your buddies, you will likely find that you will have even more to share with them later!  You will make some new friends for sure.  Some elves will be assigned to standby position because every Christmas eve there are some shifts that open up due to illness, tardiness or just plain elfishness (if you know what I mean hee hee).

What are the bus positions?

Elves may nominate themselves for the following positions.  This does NOT guarantee that they get the job because the executive committee will review and assign the final positions based on the new focus.  We are limited to an absolute maximum of 13 people on a bus shift + the bus driver (that's 11 elves, 1 CEO & 1 Santa).

 Bus coordinators

Drivers

Santa

Chief Elf On Board (C.E.O)

Elves

Standby Elves

What buses are available?

The following buses will be commissioned including an eighth bus which will help to assure an earlier finish this year.

Rudolph

Dasher

Dancer

Prancer

Vixen

Comet

Olive

Blitzen

What are the shifts?

The following shifts will be filled

Morning 8 AM to 2 PM

Afternoon 2 PM to 8 PM

Night 8 PM to finish (around midnight but no guarantees tee hee)

What are the institutional runs?

The following institutional runs will be available for signup by Santas and elves.  These shifts start early in the morning and run the entire day.  You must be available for the entire shift as there are no provisions to shorten any of these shifts.

Foothill hospital

Rockyview Hospital

Signal Hill

Beverly

And many others!.

 

How do I get more information?

 

1.      Check out www.themagicofchristmas.org

2.      Email info@themagicofchristmas.org

3.      Drop by the workshop when we are open of course.

4.      Phone us at 403-803-1619.

 

Elf Job Descriptions

 

When you participate with the Magic of Christmas - in any fashion - you become an official elf! Our elves are the heart of our organization, and are essential to our success. Decide how you'd like to help by reviewing the information below.

Show Elves

These elves help Santa at Christmas parties that occur in advance of Christmas Eve.  They take care of Santa and make sure that all of the boys and girls get to see him.  These elves help us to generate the donations we use for Santa's kids, and are one of the most important positions at the Magic.

Show elves must be at least 8 years old, and be able and willing to be 'in character' for an entire event. As elves are responsible for ensuring Santa is looked after, and managing the flow of the Show, this position is best for volunteers who are self-directed and take initiative.

Workshop Elves

Workshop elves organize the collection, purchase, sorting and packing of all the gifts for Santa's Christmas Eve run.  They work mostly from November through December but some are seen throughout the year, taking care of the administration, media and other duties of "Elfcutives".

These elves may assist with picking up donations / dropping off donation boxes, sorting donations, decorating and loading the Sleighs, office administration / coordination, post-Christmas clean-up, and more.

Sleigh Elves

The sleigh elves accompany Santa on his Christmas Eve run.  They help bring gifts and make sure that Santa sees everyone on his list, whether they are at home or in a hospital, shelter or nursing home.  These elves are rewarded for their hard work on Christmas Eve by the joy they bring and the occasional miracle.

Sleigh elves must be at least 8 years old; elves 8-14 must have an accompanying adult to assist. As Sleigh outings take 6 hours standing - and operating - on a moving vehicle, volunteers prone to motion sickness are not recommended for this position.

Emotional and physical stamina are required! You must be able and willing to stay 'in character' for the entire shift, which includes wearing an elf costume and singing carols. Sleigh elves MUST be able to work with others of all ages, and sacrifice for the good of the entire team on the sleigh. Attitudes and ulterior motives need not apply.

 

Santa Elves

Everyone knows there is only one Santa, but to be in many places in one time requires special Santa elves who represent the jolly man himself.  They are compassionate, patient, kind and have tremendous energy.  They wear a special Magic of Christmas costume that looks a lot like the real Santa, and sometimes includes Native Canadian Mukluks instead of black boots. 

Santa Elves assist at pre-Christmas Santa Shows, as well as on the Christmas Eve delivery. Santas for the Magic must be over 18, male, and be able to work with children and adults of all ages. Loving, caring, and sharing - and the ability to share in the wishes and realities of people that live here in Calgary - are essential qualities.

CEO - (Chief Elf On-Board)

These elves help the sleighs find their way to the right homes and organizations on Christmas Eve. You must be 18 or older to fill this extremely important role!

Driver Elves

These invaluable elves - and our Sleighs - are provided by Calgary Transit, as well as by various charter / coach companies. We wouldn't be able to deliver our treasures without you!

All elves receive an identification card and get to use a nifty costume when doing shows or sleigh trips.  You will need to provide your own solid white or solid black turtleneck and tights/leggings.  **TIP**Start looking for these items now as they can sometimes be difficult to obtain.

Anyone can become an elf by attending the meetings and volunteering their time, joy,  and their singing voices -- it is mandatory that an elf is able to sing at least the Rudolph song!  Many volunteers belong to more than one group of elves - join the Magic today and rediscover the meaning of the holiday season.