January 26th, 2021
Story by: C. Richard Campbell
 
Simcoe Rotarians are compulsive and even obsessive volunteers.
 
"Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labour for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue." (Source - Wikipedia)
 
The Toronto Ski Hawks is the organization that this article focuses on. 
 
Every Saturday during nine weeks of winter, trained volunteers guide skiers with low or no vision down the slopes. Some of Ontario's most prominent private and semi-private ski clubs welcome the blind and near-blind skiers. Although Covid-19 has interrupted the skiing, two former Simcoe Rotarians and two active Rotarians have or are guiding the downhill alpine skiers. People of "all ages and abilities"  can ski with the aid a guide. Even if you do not know how to ski, they will teach you.
It is quite remarkable the bond that quickly is forged between the downhill skier out in front and the trained and experienced guide behind them. The one-on-one relationship involves the guide following closely behind the skier and verbally calls out when to turn, slow down or stop. Both must possess above average stability with their nervous systems. smiley
 
 
Collage - Si-Hawks
 
 
Photographs provided by Ski-Hawk Tom Pidduck, a member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe for over 28 years.
 
For more information on the Toronto Ski-Hawks visit: http://www.torontoskihawks.org 
 
From time to time , Simcoe Rotarians that volunteer (and that is about all of them ) will be featured for their Rotary and community service.