Volunteers needed to make snowmobile season a success!

By Dave Goodman
BSC

Snow flakes have fallen and another winter is just around the corner. I can hardly wait to hit the trails and experience snowmobiling in northwestern Ontario for another winter!
Last year was a good year for the amalgamated Borderland Snowmobile Club, Trail permit sales were on target almost reaching our goal of 200 permits.We raised over $30,000 dollars through permit sales fund raising and OFSC operating funds. We spent almost $26,000 on grooming and maintaining our trails, groomer repairs, taxes and utilities, groomer garages, and trail clearing.
We were left with a small surplus to get through to the next winter which I am happy to say was our main objective last year.
My main goal for the Borderland club this year is to raise the volunteer base to help support the local club activities. As you may remember, all the local clubs almost folded two years ago because of a lack of volunteers to support the club executive and trail activities. About 10 people stepped forward to operate the amalgamated Borderland Snowmobile club and I really appreciate all the hard work these volunteers have put in. To be recognized by the OFSC we need a full executive along with people trained in trail signage, risk management, volunteer training,trail patrol,club treasurer and bookkeeper. The time has come where we risk burnout and volunteer’s quitting, due to 10 people trying to do all of this and the end result will be no club and no trails.
You ask, “Whats in it for me?” Quoting from the OFSC volunteer hand out “its no coincidence that those who volunteer, who give of themselves, and who take an active part in their community, end up on average healthier and happier.” -Dr David Butler-Jones,chief public health officer, Public health agency of Canada.
So what should you expect? We welcome new recruits throughout the year and strive to match you to a volunteer role that suits your available time, interests, and skills.
“I haven’t been asked to help?”
Why wait to be asked? Clubs always appreciate help. Sometimes they’re just too busy to ask, even when they could really use an extra hand or two. By taking the initiative to approach your club you will be doing them a big favour and find yourself welcomed to a great new experience. So now is your chance to start getting involved by attending our annual Fall General meeting Nov. 12, 7 p.m. upstairs in the meeting room at John Gavel Welding just west of Emo. A big thanks to John for donating the meeting space.
The last two winters we have had fantastic trails in the area, so invite anyone you know who has been riding without a permit and encourage them to find out why we need to support the local trail network with a permit. The goal for this year is 250. Last year Kenora sold over 650, Dryden 400 and Atikokan 250. These communities are supporting their trails, let’s show them we can do it too!
We will have trail permits at the general meeting and also applications for the new 1⁄2 price classic permit for sleds 1995 and older. Please come to the meeting and bring a friend!