An Alcoholics Anonymous event with Al-Anon participation
About the Ottawa Alkathon
Held over Christmas and New Year at the Bronson Centre in Ottawa.
What an Alkathon is
An Alkathon is around-the-clock Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings held over the holidays, with Al-Anon participation. Meetings run back to back, so a meeting is always available, including overnight.
The basic purpose of the Alkathon is to provide a safe and sober environment for the new and still-suffering alcoholic over Christmas and New Year. But we are not a glum lot: there are speakers, music, food, games, fellowship, and a New Year's Eve dance.
Anyone is welcome to attend: AA members, people who are wondering whether they have a drinking problem, and family or friends who want to learn more. There is no cost and no registration to attend a meeting. Coffee and food are available throughout the event.
The Alkathon is funded entirely by seventh tradition contributions from members and groups.
What volunteers do
Volunteers keep the event running. Typical roles include:
- Greeters welcome people at the door and point them to the meeting room.
- Registration volunteers staff the welcome table.
- Coffee and kitchen volunteers make coffee, prepare food, and keep the serving area tidy.
- Chairpersons open and close each meeting using a simple printed format.
- Setup and cleanup volunteers arrange chairs and tables before and after the event.
- Overnight support volunteers keep the building open and welcoming through the night.
- Literature volunteers look after the table of AA books and pamphlets.
- General helpers fill in wherever an extra hand is needed.
Most shifts are about four hours long. No experience is needed for most roles, and instructions are included with each shift. You can sign up for one shift or several.
Home groups host the meetings
The meetings themselves are hosted by AA home groups from across the area. Groups register for a lottery, and the draw decides which group hosts which meeting time.