Making A Mark in the Ham

Words can’t describe how great it felt to be doused in ice cold water today. Suzanne and I participated in the Delta Markham Charity Car Wash in support of Habitat of Humanity, with Delta volunteers, using our soapy hands as an excuse to get the hose on us in the 36 degree weather. The heat didn’t stop our crew from scrubbing suds on commuters vehicles (including a fellow Prius driver YESSSSS) and let me tell you- they definately clean up well!!

Lots of suds!

Suz and I were assigned the task of blowing up balloons, tying string to the balloons, and finally grouping balloons together to tie them to the weights before the event started. I am actually well versed in ‘balloonology’ so this was a walk in the park for me, but Suzanne was a different story. I managed the helium-balloon relationship while Suzanne tended to the string tying. Once the balloons were out of my hands and in Suzanne’s care, they popped like movie theatre popcorn at an Eclipse screening. I’m sure Suzanne would like to blame the string or the balloons but I think she should keep her day job! We got through the balloons and went outside for the car wash.

Suzanne's trouble-makers

The actual trouble-maker

This was no ordinary car wash. Delta Markham provided cold beverages, barbequed hot dogs and burgers, ice cream, and most importantly, delicious and diverse home baked goods to drivers while they waited for their cars to be cleaned. ‘Service with a smile’ and then some!!

Yummy treats made by Delta Markham staff

We couldn’t have done this without the amazing help of the super pumped, very energetic volunteers enticing drivers with signs to come check-out the event. These volunteers deserve extra praise for their help, as they didn’t get the privilege of hopping under the hose for relief from the hot hot heat.

Great team-work Delta Markham and thanks for keeping Suzanne and I cool on a smokin’ hot day!!

Delta Markham Staff posing with Cruiser

Carys

Ontario Regional Ambassador

The Beauty in the BBQ

It’s difficult to evoke the essence of Blues music, with it’s tormented and heart-wrenching sounds, when surrounded by some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery in this fantastic country. So was the task of the boys of Laganza Tobin Spring and Jamie Bestwick, as they belted out fantastic blues covers for the eager ears of those attending the much-anticipated Blues, Brews and BBQ’s fundraising event hosted by the Muskoka Delta Hotels and Resorts.

Bluesy Tunes from Laganza

One-hundred Muskoka Lake residents graciously handed over $50 per ticket to mingle munch and meander through the sunny gardens behind the Delta Sherwood Inn. Carys and I were given the extremely difficult task of sampling the food prepared by the Executive Chefs of the Delta Sherwood Inn, Delta Grandview Resort and the Delta Rocky Crest Resort. It was a daunting job, but we held our own, generously feasting at the various stations they had established around the gardens.Having experienced the Blues and the Barbeque, Carys and I sought out the Brews. Three fantastic local breweries served samples to hot patrons, who quickly subdued their thirst with the tasty local hops.

Yummy!

In between all of the eating and drinking, Carys and I managed to sell nearly $600 in draw tickets for various donated prizes; including local artwork, first edition books and restaurant gift certificates at each of the hotels. Once the draw prizes were awarded and the speeches were made, the event came to a melancholy end, as patrons reluctantly left the beauty of the sunny gardens for their air-conditioned cars. Thanks to the generosity of these fine folks and the Muskoka Delta Hotels and Resorts, a total of $4000 was raised for the Muskoka Lakes Habitat for Humanity chapter.

While the event was a complete success financially, which is extremely important in achieving our ultimate goal, I have to reflect somewhat on the atmosphere of the venue. I have not had the privilege of visiting the Muskokas before, so my eyes have been opened in a way most unexpected to me. Between all of the eating and drinking, I took some private moments to truly experience the nature that has inspired many of my favorite writers. I am in awe of a landscape so simple, yet so magnificent in it’s abundance. It moved me so far as to declare to my boyfriend that we must marry there, which perplexed him considering we are neither engaged, nor have any relations in Ontario. Oh well. It seemed ideal at the time.

Beauty!

Carys and I would like to share a very special thank you to the fantastic people at our host hotels of the Delta Grandview Resort and the Delta Rocky Crest. We cannot express enough gratitude for welcoming us into your beautiful family!

Muskoka Fun!

Off to Markham we go!

Drive-thru in the Soo

I HAD A BLAST for my very first event in the Soo! Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront hosted a ‘Drive-thru Breakfast’ on June 29th offering commuters delicious coffee and muffins in exchange for donations.

The Delta Sault Staff

Upon arrival, Suzanne and I were greeted by Kevin and his welcoming staff in the lobby of the hotel, making me feel like an A-list celebrity. After driving for half a day, coming from the White River Motel, the staff’s immediate excitement certainly pumped us up and made me realize what Delta as a brand is all about. Suz and I got settled, and went down to the View, the Delta’s restaurant for dinner. If you are ever in the area I strongly recommend the Filet but be sure to save room for the Bailey’s Chocolate milkshake, or the Banana Pudding cake at the end! Needless to say, Suzanne and I had a solid night’s rest after being stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey.

The 29th turned out to be an extremely windy, chilly day and Kevin (General Manager) announced at the end of the day, we had lost several staff to Mother Nature unfortunately…good one Kev! The wind didn’t damper the spirits of the staff at all as they waved people in and jumped up and down with signs attracting commuters to our event. Several volunteers ventured out into the city and redirected traffic towards the hotel, encountering friendly, courteous Sault Saint Marie-ers and the occasional ‘mooner’. Their efforts certainly paid off, raising $873 in 3 hours.

The Drive-Thru

The staff at the Delta Sault Ste. Marie are absolutely amazing and made the event super fun, regardless of the mini-Katrina enveloping us. Thank you so much for making my stay and the event a fantastic time, you have set the bar for the rest of Ontario!

Carys

Carys being Carys

Ontario Regional Ambarassdor

Packing the Prius in Winnipeg

We started our engines by filling (literally) our tanks with a fantastic breakfast buffet at the Delta Winnipeg. After a very delectable meal we were off to help set up for the anticipated barbeque that was about to take place out front of the Elephant and Castle Pub which happened to be attached to the hotel. We quickly removed most of the tables and chairs and set up the patio. We moved the shiny Community Cruiser right in front of the patio, opened up the trunk and attached some balloons to either side.

The event was about to begin and more and more people started to crowd around the Toyota Prius and the Delta Winnipeg’s well-displayed patio. This event was in support of the city’s Winnipeg Harvest. The Winnipeg Harvest is a local food bank and organization that received over 10 million pounds of food in donations last year and feeds an average of 48,000 starving mouths annually. Out of the 48, 000 people fed last year they claimed that half of those in need were children.

Geoff and Suzanne Packin' the Prius

For this event, participants were being fed a sausage on a bun, a bag of chips and pop all for $2 if they donated a non-perishable food item and for $5 without a donation of a food item. With the help of the well-organized staff at the Delta Winnipeg, Suzanne and I were placing all of the food donations into the back of the Community Cruiser. People sat on the patio enjoying their lunches while socializing and asking some very curious questions about the cruiser tour.

About half way through the event, a cameraman from CBC came by and took some shots of the cruiser and of the event that had been causing lots of commotion on this busy downtown corner. After speaking with him and informing him about what the Community Cruiser tour was all about, I convinced him to do a brief interview with Suzanne. Being the “celebrities” that we had both become, a photographer from the Winnipeg Sun newspaper attended the event and took some photos of Suzanne and I beside the cruiser that was now overflowing with the food donations.

The busy afternoon started to wind down and it was now time for us to visit the Winnipeg Harvest’s warehouse. After the barbeque we had some left over sausages, chips and drinks so we wrapped them up and donated them to the hard working volunteers and staff at the Winnipeg Harvest. We had a brief tour of the facility before unloading the donations. Overall the Delta Winnipeg donated $610 in cash and an outstanding 334 pounds of food!!!!

Delta and Winnipeg Harvest working together!

Along-side my newfound friend Suzanne; I had begun the tour 16 days ago. Unfortunately this incredible once in a lifetime experience was about to come to an end for me, as the Ontario regional ambassador Carys was about to take over. After meeting and working with so many fabulous individuals and organizations, this was a life changing experience that I will definitely remember forever. The gratification I have felt being a part of the Community Cruiser tour is unexplainable. Words cannot express how I felt being able to help so many people in need, and it really opened my eyes to see how much a lucky individual like me takes for granted. I’m extremely sad to go but I look forward to following the tour online and watch my fellow cruiser’s continue to help others and work hard to achieve the goal of raising $1 million dollars for charities and help donate 10, 000 community services hours…

Farewell my friends, it has been an absolute pleasure to have been a part of the Delta Community Cruiser tour.

The hand-over!

Warmest Regards,

Geoffrey Alan
Prairies Regional Ambassador

Big Bike! Bigger Hearts!

How many people can say that they have ridden a 29 person bike before? How many people can say that they were shot in the back of the head with a water-gun continuously while riding a 29 person bike before?? Thanks to the Delta Regina and the Heart & Stroke Foundation I can claim the first and thanks to Regional Ambassador Geoffrey I can also claim the second!!

The BIG bike

Geoff and I, along with 27 Delta Regina employees peddled our hearts out as we propelled the giant bike through the city streets. Funny hats, noisy bells and water-guns were all part of the ride, which culminated a heartfelt fundraising effort by multiple members of this caring team. The cost of a seat was $50 raised, however that was just a target and clearly not the ultimate goal. This fantastic team raised a total of $4250 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation thanks to their big hearts and their pocketbooks.

Money raised by the team at the Delta Regina

Way to go team! With the amount of fun Geoff and I were having on the big bike we could have ridden all the way to our next stop in Winnipeg! Well, maybe not! We still have the Prius though, and it’s a ton of fun too!

Breakfast, Lunch & a Berry Barn run!

What a beautiful day in Saskatoon!

The rain finally subsided and the sun shone down on the smiley volunteers at the annual United Way and Delta Bessborough Drive Thru Breakfast! “Coffee”, “Pastry”, “Newspapers” “and a Smile” “For a Donation” signs lined up along Spadina Drive as sleepy commuters made their way into downtown Saskatoon. While the donations did not match those of last year (a record year!) they were certainly appreciated as we collected a total of $1100 for the United Way. Way to go team!!!

Hungry Habitat for Humanity volunteers

After a little downtime, a handful of Delta volunteers, including Executive Chef Ryan, were off to serve lunch to the hungry workers at the nearby Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon build-site. These very warm and dirty workers were more then gracious for the amazing meal that Chef Ryan and his team whipped up in the kitchen at the Delta Bessborough. After some quick pics with the car (the biggest celebrity on this tour!), we were off again.

This time we were heading for a tourist spot! Much to Geoff’s delight (haha!) we visited the

Saskatoon Berry Barn; a beautiful property about 20 minutes outside of Saskatoon City Centre.

There, we wandered the berry laden paths and rested by the colourful and fragrant gardens. Before leaving we made sure to try some tasty Saskatoon Berry jam.

A special thanks to our wonderful tour guide Kristen for showing us around Saskatoon, and to the enthusiastic team at the Delta Bessborough, who are celebrating their 75th year as the Castle on the River.

Pitching In!

Tents weren’t the only thing that the staff and volunteers from the Delta Edmonton hotels were pitching at the Homeless for a Night event! As I was reviewing my photos from the recent Edmonton event, I came across a great shot that I thought I should share.

The two Delta Edmonton Hotels, the Delta Edmonton Centre Suites and the Delta Edmonton South, did a fantastic job of fundraising for the Homeless for a Night event which we participated in last week. Their overall goal was a hefty $10,000. Since part of the funds for this big donation weren’t collected until the actual YESS event (through the Sanctuary tent and that Stuff the Prius with Pillows raffle draws) the teams did not know if they had reached their goal until the last minute.

After all the funds were counted, it turned out that they were $200 shy of their final goal. Without any hesitation, the Edmonton Delta staff pulled money out of their own pockets and tossed it onto a nearby lawn-chair. Within moments the $200 needed was collected and the $10,000 goal was raised.

Way to go team! I applaud these wonderful folks for taking money out of their own pockets to give back to others! It’s one thing to fund-raise and donate time, but it’s another to simply take a $10 bill out of your own wallet and hand it over to a greater cause! This sincerity impressed itself upon me to such a degree, that I wanted to share it with everyone, in hopes that others will act the same!

Sleepless in Edmonton

After a short but sweet stop in our home city of Calgary, Suzanne and I continued on our expedition and made our way north to the city of Edmonton, Alberta. Once we arrived, the fabulous staff at the Delta Edmonton South warmly welcomed us. We took a few photos with the friendly team surrounding the community cruiser and later checked into our rooms.

Being an ambassador has really started to make me feel as if I am a famous celebrity. We never know what to expect, as there have been so many surprises along the tour. Although we had no event scheduled for the evening, we unexpectedly got invited to a private VIP launch party for NOW radio. This popular local radio station welcomed us into their studios where we were given a tour and had the opportunity to indulge in everything from pizza and chicken wings to sushi and champagne! While being overwhelmed with free stuff we were then invited into a sound proof recording room where Suzanne and I were able to introduce ourselves and got to record a short conversation between the two of us and the NOW radio stations DJ. This was very interesting and exciting experience to say the least.

After a well-deserved sleep, we prepared ourselves both physically and mentally for the big event we had ahead of us. We arrived at the Telus Baseball Field shortly after 4pm. We met lots of volunteers who had been hard at work setting up for the event. We drove the community cruiser right onto the middle of the field so that everyone could see the gleaming Toyota Prius. The event “Homeless for a Night” was about kick off as hundreds of people started arriving at the field. This event was organized with the intentions of raising awareness and donations for the Youth Emergency Shelter Society. Volunteers raised money for this organization and donated their time, as they were about to spend the entire night in the field.

With the help of the Delta Community we stuffed a whopping 93 pillows into the cruiser. We then sold tickets to people who were given the chance to guess how many pillows were in the vehicle. With so many close guesses, we finally determined a winner who guessed that there were 92 pillows inside the Prius. This lucky lady won a two-night stay at any Delta Hotel across Canada.

A large tent was set up in the middle of the field near the community cruiser where a Delta Sanctuary bed was set up just like a hotel room. This tent had everything from carpet, lamps, a television and even a DVD player. We showcased the tent as we sold tickets to people. Around 9pm we drew the winning ticket and called out the number. The winner came to the stage and was escorted by the Canadian Army to the Delta room (open tent). This proud and popular winner got to spend the night in the comfortable Sanctuary bed. All the proceeds from both contests were donated to the Youth Emergency Shelters. Around 11pm we took the 93 pillows out of the cruiser and donated them to the shelters as well.

A stage was set up where people were enjoying themselves listening to live local bands, comedians and watching dance shows. There was a beer tent and concession stands for people to enjoy. The field was full of excitement as people (including myself) played football, baseball and passed around Frisbees. As the sunset and the sky got dark, the Army set up controlled bonfires, which become very popular spots. As people enjoyed the warmth of the fire, marshmallows were being roasted and people were playing their guitars.

Being in Alberta, the sun set very late and rose very early, which didn’t help many of these excited participants settle down and fall asleep. The majority of the participants did not sleep and made it through night with ease. Suzanne and I were both very exhausted around 6am where we returned to the hotel to get some rest. This was a very successful event and I was astonished at how many people came out to raise money for such a great a cause. The organizers seemed very grateful for everyone’s efforts and donations. I found this event to be very touching and I will remember this night for the rest of my life.

Best Regards,

Geoffrey Alan- Prairies Regional Ambassador

Chills, Grills and Thrills!

What is June in Calgary without a little rain??
As a native Calgarian I wasn’t completely surprised by the gloomy day that was on hand for our Thrill of the Grill kickoff at the Olympic Plaza site in downtown Calgary. Geoffrey and I, now accustomed to rainy Cruiser events, donned our warm Cruiser fleeces and our well-worn raincoats. Along with the many, many volunteers from the three Calgary Delta locations, we were prepared for whatever the skies would bring.

Now Calgary is my hometown, so when I say that this was by far the best event, I am completely biased!! However it was fantastic! Spirits were high when Geoffrey and I arrived to find the site organized with multiple grills set to thrill and a fantastic stage area for the Iron Chef competition; and what a competition it was! Thanks to the good humor of the three Calgary Delta hotels Executive Chefs and some local celebrity antics assisting them, an entertaining show was on display for all those charitable patrons purchasing a yummy lunch.

After a 45-minute preparation period, in which the two special ingredients of Bison (a local delicacy!) and pineapple (less local!) were to be incorporated into the meals, the three teams were ready to WOW the judging panel, which was comprised of three local media personalities and a representative from Habitat for Humanity Calgary. While it was evident that the judges were thoroughly impressed with each of the meals, not surprisingly (to me) the Delta Calgary Airport pulled out a win and proudly hoisted this years Thrill of the Grill trophy (Way to go Chef John!!). After the newly crowned Iron Chefs posed for pictures with their impressive trophies and made a sentimental acceptance speech (which included a huge thank you to Gary Coleman!) the event swiftly came to a close.

Despite the rain and the chill, this years Thrill of the Grill kick-off was a success, as it brought out a number of media outlets to recognize and communicate our fundraising efforts to the fine citizens of Calgary. While neither Geoffrey nor I were interviewed, we did have an opportunity to speak about the tour during a “commercial break” during the Iron Chef competition. It has become a lot less nerve wracking speaking in front of large groups of people. I really enjoy being able to share all of the amazing events that I have participated in and the amount of good we have done for so many communities. This time it was nice to be home and to contribute some goodness alongside my Calgary family.

Now in true Calgarian fashion, I should be dreading our upcoming trip to Edmonton. However, I’m not. I am intrigued by their “Homeless for a Night” event and what it will entail. While I know in the depths of my being that the Stampeders and the Flames FAR out-rank the Eskimos and the Oilers, I somewhat suspect that they may have a pretty cool event awaiting us. Time will tell…

18 Kilometers Up and Over $10,000 Raised!

After a wonderful breakfast at Delta Sun Peaks Resort, we said our good byes and began our journey to Banff. We participated in a 5 km hike and trail clean up on Tunnel Mountain. After spending the weekend at home in Calgary, Suzanne and I made our way to the beautiful Delta Lodge at Kananaskis.

I woke up on Monday morning holding my fingers crossed as the weatherman had predicted cool and rainy weather for the day. I looked out the window and not to my surprise, the reporter was right. After indulging in a 3-egg omelet breakfast I was ready to take on the damp trails of Ribbon Creek. Suzanne, myself and a group of eager and determined hikers made sure our boots were tight as we embarked into the woods leaving the trail head in the distance. We witnessed many spectacular views as the summer run off from the mountains filled the river beside us with intense rapids. As we climbed towards the top of the trail sweating and short of breath, we could hear the waterfall in the distance. As we approached, the air was filled with cold mountain mist and a sound as loud as thunder could be heard. We had finally made it to our destination after being on the trail for about 2.5 hours. We quickly snapped some photos and admired the stunning views before descended back to the trailhead, which was about 9 km back down the trail.

Ribbon Creek

We made it back to the trailhead safely but sore. A strong sense of accomplishment lingered in the air as the strong-hearted Delta community returned back to the lodge exhausted and in need of refreshments and a hearty meal.

The staff and friends of the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis put together a delicious barbeque and a well-deserved celebration. As people enjoyed their meals and relaxed, we had the opportunity to hear all about the unique ways the lodge was able to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. The creative participants at Delta Lodge at Kananaskis did everything from washing guest and employee vehicles for donations, organizing hockey tournaments to holding events such as take your dog to work day where volunteers walked and took care of the pets. I even heard that an employee who had been growing his hair for a long time cut off his ponytail for the cause. In the end the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis raised over $10, 000 for Habitat for Humanity! Way to go team, don’t stop there!

After a very exciting and successful day the tour continues as Suzanne and I head back to Calgary’s own Olympic Plaza to participate in kicking off the “Thrill of the Grill’ series where we will help host a barbeque along side the Delta Calgary Airport, Delta Bow Valley and Delta Calgary South and raise more money for Habitat for Humanity.

My leg of the tour has just begun and I am extremely excited to so what it will bring next…

Geoffrey Alan
Prairies Regional Ambassador