If you live in Olds, Bowden, Didsbury or Carstairs chances are your newspaper was delivered by a carrier.
Our delivery force offers a vital service in a timely, efficient manner. We have carriers of all ages and all walks of life. Many long-term carriers have delivered without fail for years – in Olds a carrier recently retired after 15 years. It’s not uncommon for several family members to deliver several routes. Siblings will often pass routes down to younger family members.
Distribution is the most complex, expensive and vital part of the newspaper business. Stories, advertisements and flyers are all for naught if our product doesn’t make its intended destination.
For successful delivery, there’s a diligent crew who start the day shortly after midnight on Tuesday mornings – organizing, sorting and eventually delivering thousands of newspapers throughout Mountain View County.
Most folks love their weekly paper and are quick to complain if it’s not delivered. If the paper doesn’t make it to your door, we’ve failed our readers, advertisers and ourselves.
Snow, cold, ice, wind and rain can’t deter. Alberta’s mercurial weather cycles range from hot to frigid and everything in between. Most carriers accept the challenge. Such dedication instills responsibility, time management, resilience and job satisfaction. Exercise and fresh air are side benefits.
National Newspaper Week is celebrated Oct. 6-12 this year. Canadian Carrier Appreciation Day is Oct. 12. I was once a newspaper carrier and appreciate the challenges and rewards. I’d like to thank all of our carriers for all their hard work and dedication, as well as all the folks in our business who work diligently to make it possible to deliver our product to you.
- Murray Elliott is the Mountain View Gazette publisher
