Volunteer with the SSO
Volunteer Director James Obi
By James Obi
The Scottish Society of Ottawa (SSO) is powered entirely by volunteers. Every concert, ceilidh, festival, and Hogmanay celebration happens because of people like you. When you volunteer, you’re not just lending a hand — you’re becoming part of a community that celebrates culture, friendship, and fun.
Volunteering with SSO is a chance to:
Meet new people and be part of a welcoming team.
Share your skills — or learn new ones.
Play a direct role in bringing Scottish culture to life in Ottawa.
Experience events from the “inside,” where the energy and teamwork make it extra special.
There are great volunteer opportunities for our next big event, Hogmanay Ceilidh 2025 – From the Streets of Edinburgh. It’s our yearly New Year’s Eve celebration – Scottish-style – and we’re looking for enthusiastic people to fill the following roles:
Door Staff (3) – Greet guests, check tickets, apply wristbands.
Table Bussing (3) – Keep tables clear and tidy.
Barback – Restock the bar refrigerator and assist staff.
Coat Check – Organize coats, issue claim tags, manage racks.
Food Service Support – Assist the kitchen professionals as needed.
SSO Booth Volunteer – Share information about the Society with guests.
Transport - (2 with truck/SUV) – Pick up from LCBO/Beer Store and return unused stock on Jan 2.
Photographer – Capture event highlights (experience required).
General Cleaning – Monitor hall cleanliness, including restrooms.
Stage Manager – Oversee stage schedule (experience in music/event management helpful).
Balloon Drop Engineer – Design and release balloon nets at 7 pm & midnight.
Sound & Band Load-in/Load-out (2) – Assist with unloading and setting up audio/lighting equipment; repeat at end of night.
No matter your skills, there’s a place for you at Hogmanay! Interested? Email us at volunteer@ottscot.ca to sign up or ask questions about other opportunities throughout the year.
Come join the team — together, we’ll make our events unforgettable!