Hello everyone,
I hope you are well and enjoying the merry month of July.
I am reaching out regarding the World Humanist Congress 2026, which will be held in Ottawa from August 7–9, 2026. The Congress organizers are asking secular friends in the Ottawa area to organize and lead a series of short walking tours for attendees from around the world.
This promises to be a remarkable event. We are expecting participants from more than 40 countries, and over 425 people have already purchased tickets.
—URGENT APPEAL—
We are currently looking for volunteers to serve as walking tour guides. The tour script is being prepared, so guides do not need to be historians or experts on Ottawa. What we are looking for are friendly, enthusiastic people who can serve as warm ambassadors for Ottawa and Canada.
The tours will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. We also plan to offer a shorter, more accessible route for participants who may find longer walks challenging.
The walking tours will take place on Friday, August 7. They will highlight some of Ottawa’s best-known landmarks and attractions, including Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, the Rideau Canal locks, the National Gallery, and the Human Rights Monument. The tours will depart in groups beginning at 1:00 p.m., with the final tour leaving at 5:00 p.m. Any assistance you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP as soon as possible. Friends and family members who would like to assist are also very welcome.
We are also exploring the possibility of recruiting high school students who require volunteer service hours for graduation. If you have experience with this process or know how it works, please get in touch. This may be another excellent source of volunteers.
Thank you for your consideration and support. We look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Richard Thain
rglthain@gmail.com
613-851-8337