THE SLED DOG BLOG: MULCHING IN THE RAIN (AND SNOW)

SLED DOGS

In 1988 a group of enthusiastic volunteers assembled to work as the Ladies’ Technical Course Crew for Olympic Winter Games in Calgary. High winds and higher temperatures created huge challenges for the entire Organizing Committee and consequently crews worked around the clock to get races off. The Course Crew determined that they were being worked like “dogs”.

The analogy morphed into that of a Siberian Husky; a breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, speed, endurance and its preference for the outdoors - also its ability to work hard and haul a lot of stuff. The Sled Dogs were born and quickly defined themselves by their work ethic and their ability to enjoy the festivities and when necessary, create them.

The essence of a Sled Dog is captured in our brand. First and foremost he has a sparkle in his eye, a little bit of an attitude, confident, that “relish in the face of adversity” kind of a look. He is ready for the task at hand with his belt, drill and shovel at the ready as well a frosty beverage for the end of the day.

Today The Sled Dogs are recognized throughout ski racing circles as the volunteers corps of the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup who come together to ensure the Men’s and Ladies’ races go off without a hitch.

Being a Sled Dog is no ordinary volunteer job - work hard, play hard is the credo. The friendships, the laughs and the experience make it all worth while.

Monday, November 2, 2009

MULCHING IN THE RAIN (AND SNOW)

Saturday Ocotber 24th was a very wet and cold day that found a group of 13 volunteers in the Calgary neighbourhood of Inglewood for our annual "Tree Party".

In true Sled Dog fashion the team cut, machete'd and mulched through the wind, the rain and the snow and gathered 18 BIG bags of mulch and 450+ boughs. Conditions were so bad that the chipper got to the point where it would not function properly because of all the moisture.

Other than the joy of each other's company, and the abililty to laugh off the weather, the highlight of the day came once everyone took cover to enjoy a well deserved lunch thanks to Spolumbo's.

KUDOS TO THE CREW

Ralf Walicki • Greg Randall • Kendra Fergusson • Rebecca McIntyre • Sharon Boitson • Alastair Ewen