Ron

From: Canada

Account Type
Individual account
Travelling to
Canada
Travel dates
10/11/2017 - 17/08/2021

My status
Travelling
Description
Living in the Canadian Rockies since 2005 has kept me young but i am eager to branch away from the service industry and into something that will allow me to uncover my greater purpose in life. I have been a college professor of hospitality, a conference service manager, a front desk manager, and more recently, a cook. While these roles have been varied and interesting, i am at a point in my life where i need to fulfill some higher needs such as connection and having an impact.

My greatest source of meaning and joy to date has been related to interacting with animals of all kinds. Back in 2014, i took a sabbatical from Banff and volunteered at Richmond Animal Protection Society in British Columbia and this experience ranks as one of the best thus far! I am looking to recreate that but in a live-in setting. I was delighted to discover that Workaway connects farmers and ranchers with volunteer animal-lovers!

I suspect that i am not the typical volunteer in that i am 52 and that i already know my country quite well but still, i bring passion to the table alongside of a need to learn, a need to give, a big heart, an even bigger belly.

My favourite pastimes include hanging out with animals, hiking, cycling, skiing, hiking, reading, and watching movies. I look forward to exploring volunteering opportunities with you!
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Hospitality/Tourism
Teaching
More details about your skills
Teaching, cooking, cleaning, team-building, putting myself in other people's shoes, leadership, communication, guest-service, marketing, a positive attitude, an ability to be a team-player.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Age
53
Nationality
Canadian
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No
- Special dietary requirements
  No

Feedback

24/09/2020

Left by host (Help at our animal rescue and ...) for Workawayer (Ron)

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

26/01/2018

Left by host (Help on a beautiful sheep ...) for Workawayer (Ron)

Well well Mr. Ron what are we going to do without you!? You have been THE most amazing help! Your direct and positive communication, incredible work ethic, dedication, impressive animal rapore and wonderful sense of humour even under what were sometimes not the easiest conditions, was so appreciated and truly speaks volumes for the quality of man… read more

(Excellent )

25/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ron) for host for (Help on a beautiful sheep ...)

I had come to a point in my life where i no longer believed in either magic or in love. An EXTRAORDINARY two-month stint at the farm changed all that and i most certainly leave here with new perspective.

There were a large number of factors that aligned in order for my stay here to exceed expectations and i will do my best to share them… read more here.

First off, the daily interaction with curious, playful, gentle, affectionate lambs and sheep has to be considered as a very significant contributor to the wonderful stay that i experienced here. These animals are raised in such a manner that they absolutely adore interacting with their human caretakers. They never tire of hanging out with us and they certainly appreciate being pet and hugged.

This, then, is by no means an ordinary sheep farm. In fact, there were 2 instances were sheep became ill and rather than leave their health to chance, the owners brought the vulnerable animals into their own home to better care for them. Most impressive! I doubt that i would have witnessed this level of care and concern anywhere else.

The pets that coexist at the farm also demonstrated that very same affinity towards the people living here. Rekka and TC and George and Chemi and Maverick and Grizzly seemed to have a sixth sense and knew exactly what you needed from them. If you wanted to play, they were eager to play. If you needed a hug, they obliged with marvelous cuddles, and if you needed some space, well, they mostly obliged in that respect as well. I can assure you that i left a very well-established social network to come here and yet i never once felt lonely or alone. The 12 chickens that provide a dozen eggs daily even let me pet them. Unexpected!! Brilliant!!!

Much of the work that we did was of the outdoor variety. It was refreshing in more ways than one to be in the open air. The views are absolutely splendid and along with that came a sense of peace and tranquility. Sometimes that stillness was punctuated with a galloping horse or two and that only added to the beauty of the moment.

Patricia and Gerry and family- friend Pat also proved to be incredible hosts and they were glad to provide whatever they sensed instinctively that i needed. They kept me going with wonderful hearty meals. They delighted me with insightful conversation. They taught me everything that i wanted and needed to know about sheep and dogs. They included me in every conversation even though they hardly knew me. And when i crashed as a city boy might on his first farming stint, they gave me all the time and support and room service delivery that i needed until i was ready to be back in action. Such compassion and generosity and kindness, i have not been privy to in a long while.

So, should you be looking to learn new skills, to get away from the city, to find some peace, and to connect with everything and everyone around you, then THIS is the place for you. Much gratitude for all that you have given me.

(Excellent )

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