Humility at its best

Written by Stuart de Vroome

You would pass by Pat Taylor in the supermarket without giving a thought to how she has contributed to the world of the Alpine skiing events over the years. Taylor has been volunteering since 1984, signing up every year to do whatever was needed to deliver a successful event.

Not knowing a soul, having recently moved to Squamish from Vancouver, Taylor started volunteering as a steward in 1984 for the Alpine events. This is how she met her guardian angel Peggy Littlejohn, who Taylor fondly remembers. Littlejohn, also a volunteer, led by example by demonstrating that the hard work and dedication of volunteers is rewarded with great feelings of accomplishment, pride and satisfaction. “I learned how to feel comfortable working in a team doing whatever job was necessary. The passion for Alpine is shared by everyone in the volunteer community,” states Taylor.

Taylor summarizes her accomplishments with Alpine as the long-term friendships developed amongst the volunteers, as well as the appreciation and recognition she receives from organizers and peers for her experience and time committed to Alpine.

After a brief pause, Taylor restated why volunteering with Alpine is so special for her. “The Alpine events are truly Canadian, and volunteers unite from all over Canada, treating each event like a World Cup event, and do whatever it takes to ensure a memorable experience for all of the participants. We (the volunteers) are members of a unique group who get to pull off something very special for competitors and spectators every time.”

And it’s not just the winter events where you’ll find Taylor volunteering - she’s also busy with the Squamish Rotary Club helping to run their community events throughout the year. Taylor’s even inspired her teenage children to put in their time too; they’re out helping to stuff envelopes and tidying up after events for example.

Taylor is keen to tell everyone who is considering volunteering for the Alpine events that “magic happens: it is the ultimate team experience.” Every person, no matter what role they play is treated with respect and consideration. From the lunch servers to the course crew, there is mutual respect amongst the volunteers. And from that grows the commitment to doing the best you can for yourself, your community and ultimately for Canada.