Farewell

I have been home and back to “reality” for three days now. It hasn’t fully set-in yet that the Cruiser tour is finished, although I am well aware that it has. While I am extremely happy to be home right now, I know that within a couple of weeks I will miss being on the road. To say that I had fun is an extreme understatement.
This was truly an experience of a lifetime.

WOOHOOOOOO!!!!

One of the speakers at the final cruiser event said something to the effect that this journey takes guts. I had never really thought about it like that, but he is quite right. It took guts for Delta Hotels and Resorts to focus so much time, effort and money on a social outreach initiative, especially during a time when many businesses were swiftly cutting back. It took guts for the individual hotels to pull-away from focusing just on business and profit to give back to their local communities and encourage their employees to volunteer their time and effort. It took guts for the ambassadors to drop their lives in order to ride across country in a vehicle with someone whom they had never met before.

Denise relaxin' on her last day of Cruiser!

These certainly took guts, but as each of us found out over the last 74 days, what really takes guts is to survive another night living on a worn-out cot in the basement of a Halifax mens-shelter, worrying about whether or not you will get food tomorrow. Or to promise your 5 year old autistic son in Fredericton that he will someday have his own room, but having no idea how to fulfill that promise. Or to make the items in the food-box that you received from the Winnipeg Harvest last week, last another month. This takes real guts, and a massive amount of unwavering hope.

Geoff and I havin' fun in Winnipeg!

I am proud of the company I work for and I am proud of the country I live in, but I am the most proud of the people I have met. Each of the hotels, each of the individuals involved have made a huge impact in their community. Without people acting straight from the heart, as these folks do, more people would be without homes and food then there already are. What is even greater is that many of the hotels have pledged ongoing initiatives to give back to their communities. This isn’t just a one-time thing, it is an ongoing effort to make the world a better place.

Carys and I havin' fun....one of many many many times!

I am sincerely proud of every one of the hotels we visited and of all of the events we participated in. I cannot express enough gratitude to my fellow ambassadors for joining me along the way. Every single one of you liked a different type of music, but every single one of you made me smile!! Thank you so much Denise, Geoff, Carys, Jean and Char. You truly are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met! I would also like to thank Sandy, Krystal and Margaux at Delta Corporate for all of the hard-work that they put into organizing the Cruiser tour. It was a daunting task to begin with, but you lovely ladies have perfected it and made it a dream to participate in. I would also like to thank Toyota for donating our beautiful “Coral” coloured 2010 Prius. She was a fantastic companion across the country and allowed us to complete this initiative with a minimized impact on the environment.

Jean and I and food....always food!

I have said from the start that I cannot fully believe that I was chosen to fulfill such an amazing task. Who gets to do something like this? I am grateful beyond words for this experience. I have discovered a lot about myself and the direction that I want my life to take. I am so very proud of what I have accomplished along with my Delta family.

Char having hat issues!

Thank you kind readers for following our blog. It has been a blast to share our experiences along the way. If you have taken anything from our thoughts and words I hope it’s an understanding of what an amazing country we live in and of what the human spirit is made of. We are capable of accomplishing so much good and I’m proud to say that we have over the last 74 days. I’m even more proud that it won’t end there. We will continue to connect communities and to act straight from our hearts in all that we do.

A proud Delta Ambassador!

Suzanne Lalonde

All Good Things Must Come to an End.

So day 74. It’s been a long time coming, but it has also come so very quickly. I intend to do a recap type blog next, and focus more on the fabulous event held today in St. Johns Newfoundland at this point.

Charlene and I completed our Atlantic adventure with a final five hour drive to St. Johns from our fantastic B&B in Grand Falls/Windsor. I didn’t see a moose, like everyone warned us about, but Char did. We didn’t really see much of anything other than a lot of rocks and trees and silly-named towns, but it was a fantastic drive as Char and I laughed and sang our hearts out to Alberta boy Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans. While our arrival at the Delta St. Johns was an exciting one, I think Char and I had differing reasons for being so very jubilant. I was thrilled to see the odometer click the last kilometer over as we arrived at the front door, while Char was ecstatic to learn that country legend Alan Jackson was staying in the hotel. To each there own, hehe!

The final Kilo-meter to the hotel!

After a great dinner and an evening on the town, “screeched in” and all, we had a very well-deserved rest. I awoke eagerly with the realization that today was my last day on the road and that I would soon be home with my loved ones. But before all of that, I was to have breakfast with a man I admire greatly, Mr. Hank Stackhouse, the President and CEO of Delta Hotels and Resorts, drive “Coral” through the finish line, give our final interviews, and cut giant pieces of delicious Cruiser cake for the happy guests attending the final Cruiser BBQ event. It felt like a day and a half packed into such a short period of time, but that has really been the story for the entire tour.

Hugs with Hank!

I have to admit that I was teary eyed more than once through-out the day. Certainly while we were driving the Prius into the finish line, when Hank congratulated the other ambassadors and I on such a successful tour and when saying good-bye to some of the people I have come to adore over the last several months, including Charlene. Luckily the BBQ that the Delta St. Johns hosted offered a sense of closure for me. We heard some fantastic speeches from Hank, Stewart Hardacre the COO with Habitat for Humanity and the city mayor Dennis O’Keefe. Each spoke of the importance of community building and of supporting those in need. Each spoke of the passion that their organizations and representatives have for what they do. While each spoke, I had never felt so proud of what we have accomplished.

The Finish Line!

The day ended with the return of Coral to her new home at the St. Johns Toyota dealership. She has been the only consistent on the entire tour, except for myself, so it was hard to let her go. Char and I walked around and enjoyed St. Johns, before they scooted me off to the airport, to head home. St. Johns was more than just a good destination to end the tour, it was ideal. It’s a beautiful city with some of the friendliest, most kind-hearted people I have ever met. I wish I could have stayed longer, but unfortunately all good things must come to an end…

Good-bye Coral!

A great BIG thank-you to Char! I couldn’t have thought of a better way to end an amazing experience! You made it fun and enjoyable and gave me the energy I needed to make it to day 74. Thank you my friend!

Me and my pal Charlene!

Suzanne

My Cape Breton Family

I thought it necessary to mention a few things that I have learned about Cape “Bretoners”. First, they have hearts as big as this country, and maybe even a little bigger!! Charlene’s Mom Corrine, and her Step-Father Ian, welcomed me into their home with not only open arms, but with a hot-pot of homemade chicken-noodle soup and freshly made biscuits. Not only did they drive Char and I around what seemed like half of Cape Breton, but they played surrogate parents to me while I am away from home. Corrine, who I affectionately call Mama C, even went so far as to bake fresh blueberry muffins (my favourite!) for breakfast and had them waiting for me when I got up. They know no bounds to their kindness and treat everyone as though they are truly part of the family. It reminded of being a child, when everyone seemed just a little bit nicer.

Having fun at the Rankins Sisters Red Show Pub in Mabou

Secondly, I have learned that Cape Bretoners are extremely proud of their culture. Celtic culture was not something I had a great understanding of prior to this trip. However, after speaking with the locals, listening to traditional Celtic music and attending a traditional Cape Breton party, I can whole-heartedly say that I am in love with the culture! Cape Bretoners have a true passion for their tradition and want to share it with those who are not in the know. This was evident from the ride around the island as Ian and Corrine shared stories about the locals and the history, to the heartfelt pride that the fiddlers have as they blast out the music of their ancestors. Trust me when I say that it not only brings a smile to your face, but it is impossible to keep your feet from moving.

She be a fiddlin'! - Island speak

So a BIG thank you to our hosts Mama C and Ian Landry! I am so appreciative of the experiences you allowed me to share with your wonderful family. It was truly unique and unforgettable!

Suzanne

Good Times in the Maritimes

Suzanne and I left PEI with our next adventure in our sites. After a sunny ferry crossing to Pictou, NS and a short drive down the THC, we arrived on Cape Breton Island; only to be welcomed of my Mother at the Canso Causeway! After loads of hugs and kisses and a great goodie bag filled with sweets, we pointed the cruiser towards beautiful Sydney, NS. We arrived to the smiling faces of Janice and her GSA colleagues.

After a delicious meal at the Crown and Moose pub we met Jason Mac Neil who took us over to the ROCK the DOCK venue where we set up a fundraising booth for Cystic Fibrosis.

The Delta Team, along with the CF volunteers blew up balloons and sold darts to the concert goers.There were prizes for everyone who played along with a grand prize draw for a weekend getaway at the Delta Sydney.
Lots of great folks from near and “Away” paid 5 dollars for the balloon popping experience! With the donations still rolling in, Jason and his team should be very proud of their accomplishment and of course their generosity! Everyone in Sydney loves Delta!

Although the event was over, our adventure on Cape Breton Island still included; the Cabot Trail, a traditional Ceilidh, dinner at the Red Shoe in Mabou (Home of the Rankin Family) and a square dance… Suzanne and I will have lots of stories to share!

Next stop Newfoundland!

Charlene

Doing Good in Charlottetown

It is day 66 on the tour for me. These days everyone is asking me how I am doing and how I am feeling. While I am definitely tired, I am doing good. The enthusiasm of the teams we meet and the good will that is created at the events we attend has kept me going. Its funny how the energy created by doing something you are passionate about, day in and day out, can keep you motivated. It helps that I am also lucky enough to be surrounded by my Delta family, who are certainly like-minded folks.

This was true for the team at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown, PEI. After a quick ferry ride across the Northumberland Strait and a scenic drive to Charlottetown, the hotel staff eagerly greeted Charlene and me. We were then introduced to the hotel’s Community Cruiser Champion and our tour guide, Katie Baker. I can’t say enough about Katie. She took us for a fantastic dinner that night and played tour-guide, along with her beau Grant Critch, for the entire time we were in town. They took me to the Great Canadian Soap Company to pet a few goats (so fun!), to a gorgeous Zen garden/shopping Mecca and a scenic, secluded beach that only the locals visit. All of this was after a full day of “doing good” at the local soup kitchen. We can’t thank you enough Katie and Grant! You showed us the true Atlantic spirit (moonshine and all)!

Our fantastic tour-guides Katie and Grant!

This spirit was fully noticeable at the Delta Prince Edwards Cruiser event as well. After a yummy breakfast, Charlene and I were directed towards our working stations. We, along with the city Mayor, Honourable Clifford Lee, the Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Honourable Richard Brown, the hotels General Manager Zubair Siddiqi and our Chefs and leaders Mark and Brian, made 90 sandwiches for the local soup kitchen. I was responsible for lettuce detail, Katie for tomatoes and Char for wrapping the sandwiches. I feel we did a stellar job and certainly heard no complaints when we handed out the food to the folks at the Upper Room Soup Kitchen.

Doing good in the sandwich line!

Not only did these worthy folks get yummy sandwiches, but they also received a steaming bowl of soup, homemade potato salad and cole slaw, fruit, cookies and a beverage of their choice. We also served them at their tables and cleaned-up for them once they were done. The event was a huge success when we saw how appreciative these street-folks were. Many of them even stopped to shake the hands of each of the volunteers and to express their gratitude.

Char serving our yummy lunches!

I think its experiences like this that make complaining about being tired seem so silly. It’s simple really; doing good, makes you feel good. These days we are doing A LOT of good and we are feelin’ just fine.

He he he he! Goats at The Great Canadian Soap Company!

Suzanne

Hopeful in Halifax

Our day started off nice and early by meeting the staff of both the Delta Halifax and the Delta Barrington in the lobby at 8:15am. Mother Nature was not on our side to build a deck at the Metro Turning Point which is a Shelter for men in the Halifax Metro Centre so we headed off to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Dartmouth. Thanks to Tracy Gates (our tour guide) we arrived on time and were quickly shown how to build shelves from scratch for the shelter.

Suzanne and I met some amazing women who both work and volunteer at the Restore. They were very empowering and invited us to take on some of the bigger tools such as the saw! Let’s just say our adrenalin was flowing! We cut, we sanded, we drilled etc.

Empowered!

After a morning of hard work all the Delta and Habitat staff floated (due to the massive rain storm) to the shelter where more Delta volunteers stood in the rain and served what ended up being an amazing barbeque for the 76 men who were at the shelter.
Bill Pratt the Executive Director of Saint Leonard’s Society of Nova Scotia took us on a tour of their facility and talked about their hopes and aspirations.

As the rain came down all the volunteers took out their umbrellas and marched the men to the BBQ site for a nice warm meal. This is where I had the liberty of meeting Dave. Dave is originally from Port Hood, NS and has been living at the shelter for approximately 3 months, he told me although it is not home, it is certainly a great home away from home and that no one is ever turned away!

After all the men were fed, the volunteers were rewarded with a great burger and hotdog! And for dessert… well we handed over a cheque for … over 74 THOUSAND dollars!

It was a great day and although it was not the ideal conditions for a BBQ it was a great reminder to all of us that some people simply do not have a warm home to go to, dry clothes to change into and the abundance of hot food at their leisure.

Charlene

Making Memories in Moncton

Charlene and I discussed just a few short days ago how some of the best memories in life come out of nowhere. They aren’t always the moments you plan for days and days or the events that you think you will remember forever. They are the spontaneous and the unexpected, the funny and the fun and foremost they are un-forgetable.

Makin' Memories!!!

Charlene and I had a weekend of “making memories” in Moncton. After having a blast in Fredericton we made our way to the Delta Beausejour in Moncton, New Brunswick. After some much needed sleeping-in, we played tourists and explored the city and the surrounding area. We discovered Alma, NB, which claims to have the best Sticky Buns in the country (they were pretty darned good!). We visited the “Flower Pots” at Hopewell Rocks and hiked our way around the Bay of Fundy. We took some time to rest at Parlee Beach and visited the world’s largest lobster in Shediac. We then enjoyed the world’s best lobster (if I do say so myself!) at the Delta Beausejour’s restaurant Triiio. It was a weekend of exploring and discovering and just having fun making memories.

Lobster Feast

Today’s event in Moncton was a BBQ in support of Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Moncton. Charlene and I had the great pleasure of meeting and chatting with Yves and Paulene from HFH, who took the time to discuss the ins and outs of this fantastic organization. It’s amazing to me how few people are aware of the stores that many HFH chapters have in their cities. These stores are called Re-Store, which is referring to the consigned items that they sell. I think the best part about these stores, other than the unique finds you can discover, is that this is how HFH collects funds in order to pay their administrative staff. So when an organization or corporate partner collects funds for HFH all of that money goes directly to a build, as they already have a source of income for their paid employees. Fantastic!

Sadly Charlene and I couldn’t spend the entire day chatting (which we are so good at!). We also spent some time selling. Since my tour is finished in a mere 10 days, I thought I ought to get back into the swing of being a sales person for my return back to the “real world”. Charlene and I nicely announced the charity BBQ we were there to support to those walking by the centrally located site. Charlene even went so far as to decorate herself in advertisement posters. We had a number of smiles and a fair number of takers!! All in all it was a great day, with plenty of sun, plenty of well-fed Monctonites and money raised, all in support of a fantastic cause.

Suiting-up for our sales pitch

Another fantastic tid-bit we learned about while in Moncton is just how “Green” the Delta Beausejour is. Charlene and I were lucky enough to be escorted throughout this beautiful property by the ever-so friendly People Resources Manager Ron Comeau. Our favourite part of the tour was the environmental initiatives being housed on the hotels own roof. Towering over the unsuspecting citizens below, the hotel hosts a bee-hive, an extensive herb garden and a composting bin. What a fantastic way to promote sustainable living. Kudos to our friends at the Delta Beausejour!

Roof-top Garden

Next stop….Halifax!

Suzanne