I’ve been working for GRT for just over a year now and already I’m getting all kinds of good oppurtunities. But this one tops them all. Not only do I get to experience the olympics in person but I get paid to do a job that I enjoy and get to see how things run out there. Not to mention that half of their fleet is hydrogen powered.
It should be a lot of fun even at work. I’m counting down the days.
Team GRT at Torch Run; from L to R: Marc Reilly, Debbie Elliott, Steve Mann, John A. McDonald, John Livingstone, Warren Schnurr, and Fernando Bralha.
What a privilege to be able to witness the Olympic torch relay passing through Waterloo Region. And what better way to join the celebration than with 7 friends from Team GRT?
Video of Kitchener Olympic Torch Run – Dec 27, 2009
We met on Duke Street behind the City Hall Rotunda and watched the torch pass by around 6:40 pm. People were spilling onto the road, and it was hard to get a good shot. What a festive atmosphere!
John A. with Olympic Torch runner at the rally. Each torch can be purchased by the runner for $350.
We then went in search for some of the free Olympic flags, but they had run out. I met Des Fitzgerald in the City Hall. The show was very well done with a choir and some short but very good speeches. Apparently this torch run will be the longest in history with 12,000 torches custom+made for the occasion.
It is one month from today that most of us fly out to begin our Olympic adventure in Vancouver. What better way to get into the Olympic spirit than to be able to witness the torch relay?
Olympic Flame Caldron that was lit by the final runner on the stage on King St.
The Olympic Torch run will arrive at Kitchener City Hall at 7 pm on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. Let’s try and get all of the members of Team GRT together to watch it.
May I suggest that we all meet on Duke St. directly behind Kitchener City Hall at 6 pm? After the torch passes perhaps we could all get together for a group photo, and then move to the front of City hall to see the reception. Then perhaps we could all go out for a bite to eat afterwards.
If you would like to join me, please email me at caw4304@rogers.com or text me at 519-241-5623.
More info here:
http://www.kitchener.ca/pdf/olympic_torch_relay_map.pdf
http://www.kitchener.ca/living_kitchener/olympic_torch.html
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/torch/#/Home
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-torch-relay/
See you there!
John A. McDonald
My shifts are finally covered!
After a bit of confusion between Vacation Lieu Days and Day Off Lieu Days, I finally had to give one day away. While this really hurt my Scottish nature, I signed the shift over to Tony Bissonette on Friday. This is the only shift I’ve ever given away. I still have to plug in one more lieu day for Feb. 18 after I earn it on New Years Day, but that shouldn’t be any problem. So, I’m finally all set to fly off to Vancouver.
The Olympic Torch is comming here on Dec.27.
It would be an excellent opportunity to join our team going
to Whistler to have our picture in front of the Torch, maybe we could even prepare a banner informing the public that GRT is sending a group of drivers to the Olympics.
Fernando Bralha
Do you believe? I BELIEVE. On Nov 16th I was given the news that I was one of many that received the opportunity to work at the Whistler Transit in BC during the winter Olympics. What an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of the 2010 Olympics.
I am looking forward to working with other drivers from across Canada and building new friendships. I will be leaving on January 27th, coming home around February 28th. Thanks to my brothers and sisters at GRT who have helped me out by taking my shifts for that time so I can go. I also want to thank my family Donna, Kelly and Kris for all their support.