HANK DEBRUIN & TANYA McCREADY'S STORY OF LOVE FOR THEIR HUSKIES AND THE NORTH!
Pat Dell introduced Tanya McCready. Twenty two years ago Hank & Tanya quit their jobs and left their home in the Guelph to move to Ontario's wilderness with their beloved huskies to start a business, family and lifestyle. They now welcome over 2000 guests every winter to experience dogsledding. Hank & their huskies have competed in 6 – 1000 mile races in Alaska & the Yukon and they have written 2 books - the latest an international best seller. Tanya's stories and lessons are about leadership, teamwork, overcoming adversity and building a business to international audiences. They share their lives with their 4 children, 5 cats and large husky family.
Tanya's story is inspirational. In the early days of their marriage they met their first young husky in a pet store in Guelph. After two visits the husky was theirs and so began their love of these animals. They started reading about Alaska and were fascinated by the north and dogsledding. They purchased more and more huskies and opened a dog business. Securing funding was their first challenge. Many banks turned down their application but a northern bank offered their help. They moved to a rugged area of Northern Ontario where they built a home and kennel. The first year was difficult as the house was not yet built so they and their dogs lived in the dog kennel for the winter, where they welcomed over 200 guests. The family grew to 4 children and 16 huskies. Hank and their dog teams entered a number of dogsled races including the Yukon Quest and the Alaska Iditarod. Loss of Hank's first dogsled race resulted in a time of recovery, reflection and renewed commitment to try again, all with Tanya's encouragement. There were more races. Hank learned about commitment to his team and showed his children never to give up.
Hank and Tanya have written two books--Iditarod Dreamer-a Rookie Team's Journey and.Journey of 1000 Miles: A Musher and His Huskies' Journey on the Yukon Quest's Century Old Klondike Trails Tanya noted that the greatest challenges at the time become the greatest lessons and stories. Thank you Tanya. What a wonderful story of love, courage and perseverance.
Tanya and one of the Husky family
Hank and the team
The cover of one of Hank and Tanya's books showing Hank and their team of Siberian huskies. Tanya spoke of the skill Hank had to develop to control the energy of the team of 16 huskies--due to the tremendous power of their weight.
More of the Team above. Beautiful Siberian huskies with the energy for great adventure.
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Things are not looking good for the new Sergeant. He was absent. However President Pat has many years experience behind her so she multi-tasked and wore the Sergeant's 'hat'. She was most generous with Virtual Rotobucks for all who showed up today, Those absent will be fined. Virtual Rotobucks also went to those helping with the Golf Tournament. Pat and John Van Koll shopped at London Drugs and purchased prizes for the tournament.
Doug Mortin and Peter Neufeldt were happy to have a short bike ride to Moose Jaw this morning--a practice run for their big ride next Saturday with the team to raise money for the children of Guatemala. Wishing you success and good weather.
Gary Carlson was happy to have his daughter and granddaughter visiting but sad to see them leave for home in B.C.
Pat Dell reported that Glen was out weeding and picking beans at the Rotary Garden at Jack's place. Some packages from the garden have been delivered to the community cupboards. Great work. Thanks Glen.
Clarence was happy to have had his family visit from Edmonton.
Ann's story--Granddaughter Georgina has a pet Komodo dragon, named Elliott, who was assumed to be male. However 'he' laid a number of eggs--tennis ball size--but is still called Elliott. Alas no great grands for Ann as Elliott lives alone and has no companion!
The Family of Rotary
Please keep Jean-Marc and family in your thoughts and prayers. Today he left for Montreal to be with his very ill father and his mother and siblings. We are thinking of you, Jean-Marc.
Congratulations to Peter Peters for the money he has raised in his annual MS Bike Tour. Pandemic, wind, whatever happens the MS Bike Tour carries on.
From Rotary International--
Rotary in Review<RotarySupportCenter@msgfocus-rotary-org.msgfocus.com>
Past RI President Carlo Ravizza dies
Read more Rotary stories at the above website.
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