Volunteering with the Charlottetown Farmers Market

by Heidi Riley

The Charlottetown Farmers Market is a hub for the community and for local businesses. About 60 vendors sell their products there year-round, and that number rises to 90 in the summer months. The Market is open year-round on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays in July and August.

The market is looking for more volunteers to help with different programs throughout the year. Polina Puchkova, Operations Coordinator with the Charlottetown Farmers Market, says there are many benefits to volunteering, including possible paid employment.

“I graduated from UPEI five years ago, and I volunteered with the Market in 2020 during COVID. Now I am working for them.”

Volunteer Coordinator Pat Murray is in charge of onboarding, scheduling, and communicating with volunteers.

“I started as a volunteer with the market during COVID, packing the to-go orders and fundraising, trying to lower the cost of operating an old building. There are many ways to do the fundraising, including selling stickers, aprons, bags, a toonie for the market, and artwork raffles.

“During the summer, most of the people through the door with questions are tourists. I have even become a tour guide, directing people to local landmarks and events. On the days when cruise ships arrive, our market is different as well. We get crafters such as rug hookers, spinners and wool enthusiasts. It is a very diverse market.”

Summer market volunteer opportunities:

• Doing market assessments and other surveys collecting data
• Coordinating community not-for-profit booths
• Assisting casual and seasonal vendors in setting up and tearing down
• Other tasks including painting and waste disposal

Customer service at the info booth:

• Fundraising activities
• Selling stickers and other market merch
• Customer service

“This position is very customer facing, and it is great for someone who likes talking to locals and tourists.”

A new program at the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market is Market2Health. “We received a grant from Health PEI to allow people involved in wellness and nutrition on PEI to advertise their health-related services and products,” says Polina. “We will need volunteers to coordinate the participants and to help with setup and teardown.”

Besides volunteering when the market is running, there are also opportunities to do other tasks when the market is closed, such as painting, building maintenance and repair, cleaning, and decorating with seasonal displays, and gardening.

Why volunteer at the Charlottetown Farmers Market?

• Community building and supporting a local economy
• Connecting with local entrepreneurs and visitors
• “You get an opportunity to meet and support the people who grow your food,” says Pat.
• Career opportunities: “The market is packed with diverse entrepreneurs who could be looking for help,” says Polina. “Volunteering at the market could potentially result in working for one of them.”
• Learning skills such as customer service, working as a team, and other soft and hard skills. “If you ever want to learn something, we are happy to show you.”
• Vendors donate delicious goodies, coffee, and other perks to volunteers