Behind every Skate Canada event are hundreds of volunteers whose dedication, expertise, and passion make it all possible. Every volunteer has their own reason for getting involved, but for parents of high-performance athletes, volunteering is a way to go beyond cheering from the stands.  

 Volunteers like Jeff Dupuis and Mark Heiderich show how giving back strengthens both the community and the sport, creating opportunities for all athletes to thrive. 

Jeff Dupuis: A 25-Year Volunteering Journey 

Jeff Dupuis began volunteering at his local club, Patinage Anjou, 25 years ago, later expanding his involvement as an announcer with Patinage Quebec. Skating has long been a part of his life – his wife is a coach, and his daughter, Sara-Maude Dupuis, is a women’s singles skater on the National Team. This personal connection naturally led him to become more involved, where he found a tight-knit community and built lasting friendships. 

In 2024, Jeff took on a larger role when the ISU Figure Skating World Championships came to Montreal. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience coordinating transportation for the National Bank Open, he served as volunteer Transportation Supervisor, helping to manage the movement of hundreds of participants while connecting with volunteers and athletes from around the world.  

Following that memorable experience, Jeff was eager to continue giving back to Skate Canada events close to home. The 2025 Canadian National Championships in Laval offered the opportunity to lead transportation while supporting his daughter Sara-Maude as she earned her first national championship medal.

With the competition only 15 minutes from the family home, friends and extended family were on hand to cheer her on, making the event even more special. The following year at the 2026 Canadian National Championships in Gatineau, Jeff returned again, eager to keep contributing as a volunteer. 

Of all the events where he has volunteered, those where his daughter is competing are the most meaningful. While on duty, Jeff remains focused on his responsibilities, but as a father, the excitement builds as her event approaches. When she takes the ice, he always finds a moment to watch before returning to his role.  

Beyond supporting his daughter, volunteering has allowed Jeff to connect with people with diverse skills and experience. “Every volunteer has a different background, whether personal or professional, so you get to learn from their backgrounds and share your own personal experiences with them,” he shared. “The volunteers are the reason I keep coming back each year – everyone is so supportive.”  

Mark Heiderich: Supporting the Next Generation  

Like Jeff, Mark Heiderich became involved in Skate Canada to support his child. His son, Parker Heiderich, is a member of Skate Canada’s NextGen Team, and Mark saw volunteering as a natural way to give back. With more than 20 years of volunteer experience with various organizations, joining Skate Canada allowed him to contribute directly to the sport his son loves. “For all the hours he puts in, I can put in a few,” Mark said.  

Volunteering is an important value for the Heiderich family. At the 2026 Skate Canada Challenge, Mark and his wife, Janine, both volunteered at the event, supporting catering, security and ice operations. Even Parker gets involved when he’s not competing – he volunteered at the 2025 Skate Canada Trophy in Edmonton, supporting younger skaters in his community.  

Together, the family strengthens connections in skating while supporting athletes of all ages and levels. “Amateur sport faces challenges in organizing large events, and volunteers play a critical role,” Mark explained.  

Beyond supporting the sport, he emphasized the personal benefits of volunteering. “There’s no downside to it. You get to meet people in the community, grow friendships, and support athletes that are international and Olympic bound,” Mark noted.  

Watching Parker’s success has made these experiences especially meaningful. He won the junior men’s title at the 2025–2026 Skate Canada Challenge in his hometown of Calgary, in front of family and friends, and later captured the junior men’s national title in January 2026 in Gatineau. For Mark and Janine, volunteering offered a front-row seat to those moments, all while helping make them possible. “You get to experience it all with the skaters and be part of making it all come together – and that’s a special feeling” he said. 

The Heart of the Community 

Regardless of their role, volunteers are the backbone of Skate Canada events. The experiences of Jeff Dupuis and Mark Heiderich show that volunteering is about more than giving time – it’s about supporting athletes, building connections, and strengthening communities. By contributing their skills and passion, volunteers help skating in Canada continue to thrive. 

April 19-25, 2026 marks National Volunteer Week. Skate Canada extends heartfelt thanks all our dedicated volunteers, who continue to make skating in Canada possible.