Frequently Asked Questions by Christmas Day Dinner Volunteers

Q. How do I register as a volunteer for the Christmas Day Dinner held at the RDS?

A. Registration for volunteers opens on October 1st every year. You must complete the online Volunteer Registration form at http://ChristmasDayDinner.com to volunteer for the event.

Q. Can I register my details by sending an email to the email address used for last year’s registration?

A. Sorry, no – email registration will not be processed. The online Volunteer Registration form is the only way you may register as a prospective volunteer.

Q. I don’t have access to the internet – how can I register?

A. Registration by completing the online Volunteer Registration form is preferred as this allows us to communicate more effectively with prospective volunteers – could you ask a friend to register your interest with your email and mobile phone number, or use the facilities at a local library or other facility? We will communicate to all successful volunteers via WhatsApp and/or email. It is therefore very important to have your own details for this purpose.

Q. Can I register through Ely House – The headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Columbanus?

A. Sorry, no – all those who wish to volunteer must do so by completing the online Volunteer Registration form – the reason for this is that we compile the volunteer register through this online form , allowing the Christmas Day Dinner Committee to communicate with prospective volunteers more effectively.

Q. Can I just turn up on Christmas Day?

A. No – please don’t! By that time all tasks and work areas will have been allocated and there will be nothing for you to do. Access to the RDS will not be granted without a Volunteer Access Card (VAC).

Q. If I have registered – but cannot attend the Induction Health and Safety briefing, can I still Volunteer?

A. Unfortunately, no. All tasks and Volunteer Access Cards (VACs) are only allocated at the induction session.

Q. If I have registered – and cannot attend the briefing, but I have attended one before, can I still volunteer?

A. Sorry, the answer is No. The facilities change from year to year at the RDS and the health and safety briefing is updated annually. We need to ensure that all volunteers are aware of the health and safety risks and preventive measures in effect each year. In addition, all tasks are allocated to volunteers at the briefing.

Q. Are there any age restrictions?

A. Yes. Persons under the age of 18 are not encouraged and those under the age of 16 are not permitted. The Christmas Day Dinner Committee and the venue operators are not responsible for children of volunteers or for any person under the age of 16 years.