Volunteer for Mommy Van’s Cooking Marathon Attempt
Join the team supporting A Taste of Cameroon 2027, taking place from 23–30 January at Molyko Omnisport Stadium in Buea.
There will be roles for many kinds of people: organized planners, warm hosts, careful cleaners, reliable runners, skilled media helpers and qualified safety professionals. You do not need to be a chef to make a valuable contribution.
Why volunteer with the campaign?
A cooking marathon is supported by a complete operation around the cook. Volunteers help the event stay organized, safe, respectful and connected to the people it hopes to inspire.
Celebrate culture
Help share the food, hospitality and stories of Cameroon with visitors in Buea and audiences around the world.
Use your strengths
Contribute practical skills in operations, guest care, sanitation, logistics, media or qualified support.
Meet your community
Work alongside people who care about culture, food, service, creativity and ambitious goals.
Create lasting impact
Support a project designed to strengthen Mommy Van’s long-term recipe, education and community platform.
Possible volunteer teams
Choose the areas that fit your experience and comfort. Final role numbers, shift schedules and responsibilities will be confirmed as the operating and staffing plans are completed.
Setup and breakdown
Prepare approved event areas, signs, tables and volunteer stations; restore the venue after the event.
May involve standing or lifting. Physical requirements must be stated before assignment.Guest welcome and check-in
Greet visitors, support registration, explain venue information and help maintain a respectful audience flow.
Best for calm, friendly communicators.Packaging and distribution
Support approved handling, labelling, service or distribution after dishes leave the record-counted cooking process.
Food-handler training may be required. This is not a record-counted cooking role.Cleaning and waste stations
Keep approved non-cooking areas clean, replenish sanitation supplies and support responsible waste sorting.
Role boundaries will follow food-safety and record guidelines.Supplies and inventory
Track deliveries, organize approved storage, monitor non-cooking supplies and report shortages to a team lead.
Attention to detail and accurate logs are important.Transport and errands
Move approved items or messages between designated locations according to the logistics plan.
A valid licence and insured vehicle may be required for driving assignments.Evidence coordination support
Assist the evidence lead with approved file handling, schedules, equipment checks or handovers.
Formal witnesses and timekeepers must meet the official eligibility requirements.Photo, video and social content
Capture approved moments, organize media files, prepare updates and help direct viewers to official channels.
Portfolio, equipment and usage permissions may be requested.Partner and cultural liaison
Support communication with community groups, guests, suppliers or language communities.
French, English and additional language skills can be useful.Health and safety support
Licensed or appropriately trained professionals may support the approved wellness, first-aid or safety plan.
Credentials and scope of practice must be verified before assignment.Evening and overnight shifts
Help maintain approved operations during lower-traffic hours if the final schedule requires continuous coverage.
Exact shift length, breaks, transport and safety provisions must be confirmed.Shift captains
Brief team members, confirm attendance, coordinate handovers and escalate problems to the volunteer coordinator.
Leadership experience and orientation attendance are expected.Vanessa must complete every cooking activity required of the record participant herself. Volunteers will perform only approved support tasks. A role will never be assigned simply because it is listed here; the final duties must match the official record guidelines, food-safety plan and venue rules.
What the team will expect
Reliable volunteers make an ambitious event safer and easier for everyone. Every confirmed volunteer should understand the role, arrive prepared and communicate early if something changes.
- Provide accurate contact and availability information.
- Attend required orientation or role-specific training.
- Arrive on time and remain for the confirmed shift and handover.
- Follow the volunteer lead, venue rules, food-safety plan and emergency instructions.
- Respect Vanessa’s concentration, rest arrangements and official record boundaries.
- Treat guests, team members and community partners with dignity and respect.
- Protect confidential operational information and personal data.
- Only publish photos, video or updates you are authorized to share.
- Report hazards, illness, incidents or accessibility needs promptly.
- Decline any task you are not trained, qualified or physically able to perform safely.
From interest form to event shift
Submitting the form records your application; it does not guarantee placement. The team will match applicants to confirmed needs, qualifications and availability.
Submit your application
Tell us how to reach you, where you can help and when you may be available.
Application review
The coordinator checks campaign needs, role fit and any required qualifications.
Role invitation
Selected volunteers receive proposed duties, timing, requirements and a response deadline.
Orientation
Confirmed volunteers learn the site plan, boundaries, safety process and escalation contacts.
Shift and handover
Check in, complete the assigned role and hand over clearly to the next person or team lead.
Volunteer application
Complete the application with accurate contact information and the skills or role areas in which you can help.
Before submitting, please remember:
Privacy: application information will be used to assess and coordinate volunteer participation. Please do not submit medical records, identity documents or other highly sensitive information through this form.
Safety, access and privacy
Accessibility
Selected volunteers will receive the physical and environmental requirements of their proposed role before accepting it. Applicants may request a reasonable adjustment or discuss a safe-task limitation with the team.
Safeguarding and conduct
All volunteers must follow the event code of conduct, respect team leadership and report harassment, discrimination, unsafe behaviour or safeguarding concerns promptly.
Privacy
Application information will be available only to authorised campaign personnel who need it to assess, contact and coordinate applicants, subject to the website privacy policy.
Media consent
General event photography may take place. Separate permission will be requested for featured interviews, testimonials or close-up promotional content where appropriate.
Training and qualifications
Confirmed volunteers will receive general orientation and role-specific instructions. Licences or certifications will be verified before anyone is assigned a regulated or specialist responsibility.
What is not promised
Unless confirmed in writing, registration does not promise a role, payment, travel reimbursement, accommodation, meals, merchandise, certificates, immigration support or event admission for guests.
Volunteer FAQ
Do I need event or cooking experience?
Are volunteer applications open?
What is the minimum age?
How long will shifts be?
Can I volunteer with a group or organization?
Will meals, transport or accommodation be provided?
Does submitting the form guarantee a role?
Will I receive training?
How will my personal information be used?
Who do I contact if I have a question or need an adjustment?
Bring your strength to Mommy Van’s team
Apply to join the team, learn more about the record attempt or support the campaign through a secure donation.