Volunteer Vacancy: Mascot Mario the Bear

Stichting Ambulance Wens Nederland is looking for three enthusiastic mascot runners.

Mario the Bear is the mascot of Stichting Ambulance Wens Nederland. You will encounter him at events, special campaigns, milestones, and other moments where our foundation is present.

We are increasingly receiving requests asking if Mario can also be present. This is a wonderful development, but unfortunately, with our current volunteer base, we are unable to fulfill all these requests. Therefore, we are looking for three new volunteers who are willing to regularly step into the shoes – or rather, the fur – of Mario the Bear.

What are you going to do?

As a mascot runner, you represent Stichting Ambulance Wens during various activities throughout the Netherlands. Think of events, fundraising campaigns, open days, special milestones, and other occasions to which our foundation is invited.

You put on Mario's mascot costume and ensure that he is present in an enthusiastic, friendly, and recognizable way. You take photos with visitors, hand out high-fives, wave, make contact with children and adults, and maintain a positive attitude.

There is one important mascot rule: Mario does not talk.

As soon as you put on the suit, you *are* Mario. You therefore communicate through movements, gestures, and body language. You also remain fully in character during a performance, and Mario's head is only removed out of sight of the audience.

You never go out alone.

Safety is important to us. In a mascot costume, your vision, hearing, and freedom of movement are more restricted than normal. That is why Mario never goes to an activity alone.

An attendant is present during every deployment. This person helps you put on and take off the suit, guides you through busy areas, keeps an eye on the surroundings, and can communicate with visitors and organizers on behalf of Mario.

We also ensure there are sufficient rest periods. Walking as a mascot is more physically demanding than it might seem. Therefore, we take regular breaks, drink plenty of fluids, and extra care is taken to limit the duration of a performance during warm weather.

And fortunately, Mario himself has something to offer too: the head of the mascot suit contains a built-in fan that can be adjusted to be stronger or weaker. Quite pleasant when you’re walking around inside a big bear head for a while.

 

 

 

Who are we looking for?

For this special volunteer position, we are looking for someone who:

• minimaal 1,80 meter length is and has an average build, so that the mascot costume fits well and securely;
• is enthusiastic, energetic and social;
• enjoys entertaining people and easily connects with young and old;
• can fully empathize with the character of Mario;
• understands that a mascot does not talk and stays in character during a performance;
• feels comfortable in an enclosed mascot costume and is physically able to move actively within it;
• always follows the supervisor's instructions regarding safety;
• handles the mascot costume carefully and respectfully;
• minimaal available once a month is for an activity;
• is flexibly deployable. Activities can take place both on weekdays and weekends;
• wants to represent the values ​​and image of Stichting Ambulance Wens Nederland in a positive way.

For safety reasons, children are not lifted or carried by Mario. Of course, children and adults can have their picture taken with Mario, get a high-five, or – if they wish – receive a hug.

 

What do we offer?

You will be given a special volunteer position within Stichting Ambulance Wens Nederland and become part of a large and committed group of volunteers.

After your appointment, you will receive your own profile within our intranet platform, Mijn Ambulance Wens . The events and activities for which Mario de Beer is requested are posted here.

You then decide for yourself which available activities you want to sign up for. This way, you can easily combine the volunteer work with your own schedule, although we do assume a minimum commitment of an average of one activity per month.

In addition we offer:

• a special volunteer role in which you represent Stichting Ambulance Wens;
• varied activities and events;
• guidance during every deployment;
• clear instructions regarding the use of the mascot costume, safety, and the character of Mario;
• a mascot suit with ventilation in the head;
• contact with an enthusiastic and committed group of volunteers;
• the opportunity to contribute to the awareness and visibility of Stichting Ambulance Wens in a completely different way.

 

We are looking for three new Marios

Because Mario is being asked more and more often and we want to be able to distribute the workload among multiple volunteers, we are looking for three people who are willing to take on this role.

This way, we can say yes more often when Mario is invited, and it remains fun for every volunteer and easy to combine with other commitments.

 

Apply

Do you think you can bring our Mario the Bear to life?

Then send your application and a short cover letter to solliciteren@ambulancewens.nl in the month of October . Be sure to tell us why this volunteer position suits you and why you enjoy representing Mario.

The vacancy will remain open throughout the month of October. After the vacancy closes, we will review all applications.

In November, we will personally invite suitable candidates for a one-on-one interview. During this interview, we will get to know each other and see if you are a good fit for Stichting Ambulance Wens and the role of Mario de Beer.

Because anyone can put on a bear costume.

But not everyone can be Mario the Bear.

Become a volunteer as a nurse or driver

For our wishes, we work with volunteer nurses and drivers. Due to the nature of our work, specific conditions apply:

• Nurses: A valid BIG registration is mandatory.
• Drivers: We are exclusively seeking individuals with a background in the ambulance service, police, fire department, or the Marine Corps. Additionally, a category B driving license is required.

A hiring freeze is currently in effect.

At this moment, we have sufficient nurses and drivers, and unfortunately, we are not accepting new volunteers . We do not expect this to change in the short term.

We do maintain a waiting list. Do you meet the above conditions and would you like to be considered for this?
Then send your CV and a short motivation towards us.
info@ambulancewens.nl

As soon as we need new volunteers again in the future, we will first contact the people on our waiting list.