Nov 20, 2003

Jeff Wimperis a member of the Rideau Ridge Runners for over 20 years has been nominated as district 1 volunteer of the year. Jeff is an active member of the executive, a warden instructor for the past 13 seasons and is a great ambassador for snowmobiling.

VIA Draw for 2003 Polaris Classic 500

And the winner is ... 1st prize - District 1 - Gary Parks - Sharbot Lake District Snowriders. Gary started with the club in 2000 and served more than 150 hours this past season as a club volunteer.

2002 District One Club Volunteers

Marty and Carol Lavigne, have been recognized by the District 1 with the 2004 Family Achievement Award in September at the O.F.S.C. AGM. They have been active members and volunteers for the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub since 1991 and joined Leeds and Greenville Snowmobile Association in 1996. The jobs include trail work, catering, rallies, maintenance of the clubhouse and groomer. With all the volunteering they do they still get a chance to ride over 3000 km each year. "The family is the backbone in our club, providing year after year of dedication. They participate at the club level, the Association, District, provincial and the International level. They never miss a meeting. They have recruited family and neighbours to become volunteers and member of the club. They are volunteers who are optimistic, enthusiastic which rubs off on other club members. They put the fun back into snowmobiling. They are the kinds of volunteers that every club wishes they had".

First photo Alice Gilchrist - Second photo Marty & Carol Lavigne Volunteer of the Year District 1

Alice Gilchrists a member of the Snow Road Snowmobile Club since 1976 has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year in September at the OFSC AGM District 1. Alice is Vice President for her club, OFSC STOP Co-ordinator and volunteers on many committees.

Alice provides the club with information reports on the district meetings and ensures that all executive are kept up-to-date on the OFSC and District happening. Her work and personality are well known throughout District 1. She is an asset to our organization and we are truly blessed to have her as a club member.

Shell Canada "Shares in Volunteerism" in District 1

(Morrisburg, ON)- As part of their "Share the Experience" campaign to promote their 2-stroke snowmobile oil, Shell Canada gave 116 cases of Shell Advance oil to district 1 for distribution to its clubs and associations. As if this wasn't generous enough, Shell also donated a $400 merchandise gift pack for each club/association in the District.

At the O.F.S.C. District 1 volunteers of the year award night our volunteers were rewarded with the gift packs donated by Shell Canada. "Shell Canada came through very enthusiastically with their offering again this season, which we distributed ", says John, who took care of the logistics. "It gives sledders a chance to try something different which may be a benefit to their particular machine".

Meanwhile, Shell Canada's campaign, will also provide advance notification of their promotions and sales on fuels and other products, as well as rebate coupons to the participating associations.

District 1 has decided to "Share the Experience" with Shell Canada by graciously thanking them for their contribution and their innovative way of getting snowmobilers to try their products. For more information, please visit their website at promotions@shell.ca

Here are many of the club volunteers with their Shell Canada product.

Glengarry S.C. Volunteer Named OFSC Trail Patroller of the Year

(Green Valley, ON) - Réjean Bourgon, long-time member of the Glengarry Snowmobile Club must certainly feel appreciated. Last February he was recognized by RDS (a French-language TV sports channel) as volunteer of the year. Last week, at the OFSC AGM he was bestowed with the Ron Jones Memorial Award for Trail Patrol Member of the Year.

OFSC president Dennis Burns showed his appreciation when he said, "Réjean is a worthy recipient of this volunteer recognition award. His contribution both to his local club and district is exemplary of the kind of dedication and enthusiasm that makes organized snowmobiling so successful in Eastern Ontario."

The OFSC Trail Patrol is a province-wide program where volunteers from local clubs ply the trails acting as goodwill ambassadors, providing assistance and information to visiting riders and checking permits. There are about 5000 volunteers in action in Ontario last winter, of which roughly 1400 are Trail Patrol members.

In accepting the award, Réjean offered a little advice to fellow sledders, " Be sure to buy your trail permit before riding them. If you can spare an hour or two, please volunteer for your local club, because we need all the help we can get."

This is the second year in a row that the Trail Patrol Member of the Year award goes to a volunteer from District 1. Last year's recipient was Stan Hadden of the Osgoode-Carleton Snowmobile Club.

Glengarry S.C. has Volunteer Pride Réjean Bourgon of the Glengarry S.C is the second recipient in a row from District 1 of the Ron Jones Memorial Award, given by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs in recognition of outstanding work as a Trail Patrol Member. Réjean is pictured here displaying the impressive trophy and plaque that goes with the recognition for the achievement.