Excitement Grows as FIFA World Cup Approaches in North America
Canadian soccer fans are gearing up for an exciting summer as the FIFA World Cup heads to North America this year. For many, this prestigious tournament offers not just the thrill of the game but also opportunities to earn some extra income.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from mid-June to mid-July, featuring matches in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Hosting such a large event requires a lot of help, creating temporary job opportunities in various fields, including security, event coordination, and food services. Local businesses are also preparing to increase their staff numbers to cater to the surge of soccer enthusiasts.
Danny Murrell, the founder and CEO of Harrison Staffing, stated, “For those who can’t buy a ticket, working at the event allows them to be part of it.” Harrison Staffing is set to manage the fan destination at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, primarily in need of bartenders and some support staff.
Murrell mentioned that they began accepting applications in April, aiming to fill between 100 and 150 positions. The response has been positive, with many young applicants, particularly men, eager to get involved. He added, “This event is a great motivator for people to pick up extra work during a busy season.”
The economic impact of the World Cup is also noteworthy. FIFA estimates that the event could generate about $940 million for the Greater Toronto Area. Moreover, the British Columbia government anticipates over a billion dollars in tourism benefits in the years following the tournament.
Interestingly, many job applicants view this as a chance for supplementary income. Murrell noted that around 30-40% of applicants are seeking secondary jobs, while the majority are students hoping for full-time work. He acknowledged the challenges many face in maintaining a good standard of living in Canada on a single salary, even for those in well-paying jobs.
An online survey conducted by Employment Hero earlier this year showed that 14% of participants are considering taking temporary or gig work for events like the World Cup. Among those currently employed, about two-thirds are open to taking leave from their primary jobs to participate.
Karyn Xiong from Employment Hero Canada explained that the increasing interest in gig work stems not only from rising living costs but also from the convenience offered by digital platforms like Uber and DoorDash, which make it easy for individuals to earn extra money.
The summer season in Canada will also bring additional gig opportunities, including major events and festivals like the Calgary Stampede and the Osheaga music festival in Montreal.
Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, CEO of Money Mentors, emphasized the importance of balancing expenses with income. “You can only cut your budget so far before needing to find other ways to generate income,” she said.
With more gig opportunities available, Xiong suggested that employers consider updating job contracts, especially those with strict clauses against outside work, to reflect today’s reality. “Flexibility will help employees manage their primary jobs alongside gig work,” she noted.
Yanchuk Oleksy reminded workers to be mindful of tax implications as they take on additional income. “Extra earnings can lead to surprises come tax season, so it’s essential to ensure the right amount of tax is withheld to avoid owing money later,” she said.
As the World Cup draws nearer, excitement continues to build, promising a vibrant summer for both soccer fans and the workforce in Canada.
