Vancouver 2010 employees got a new year's surprise this week.

A memo from VANOC workforce executive vice-president Donna Wilson announced a pay raise "for the final months of this project, starting Jan. 1."

"As many of you know, the current economic times have challenged our creative thinking as an (organizing committee)," said the memo, obtained by 24 hours. "Notwithstanding the times we're in, at the end of 2009, the VANOC board of directors approved a 1.5 per cent salary increase for all VANOC employees."

Wilson encouraged the workers to "cherish these last few precious moments. Be big, be bold."

Wilson told 24 hours that the increase covers only VANOC's permanent workforce.

"It's just a small token of the value and support we want to show those employees that have been here quite some time," Wilson said.

The pay raise last year was two per cent. VANOC employees who work through the Games are already eligible for shares of a $30 million severance fund intended to prevent premature departures. Olympics minister Mary McNeil "will not have a comment on this issue," said B.C. Winter Games Secretariat communications manager Greg Dickson.

"There's no restraint when it comes to VANOC," said Maureen Bader of the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation.

Bob Mackin reports for Vancouver's 24 hours.