Snowmobile clubs in communities from coast to coast are joining in a national call to all snowmobilers from the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) for volunteers to help clubs prepare for the upcoming winter.
Canada’s 673 snowmobile clubs operate 103,843 kilometres of snowmobile trails for 648,174 registered snowmobiles used by over a million riders.
Organized snowmobiling in Ontario is provided by 230 member clubs of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) and its website is a good first contact point for those wishing to volunteer this fall.
Throughout the autumn, volunteers from hometown clubs prepare trails, groomers, signage, bridges, staging areas and shelters for the benefit of snowmobilers.
Frequently, their task becomes more challenging thanks to storm damage, flooding and other natural events that occurred during the off-season.
Clubs also need a hand in the office, with websites, social media, accounting and other administration.
“Organized snowmobiling depends on volunteers and we invite every snowmobiler to lend a hand, even for a couple of hours. We understand that everyone is very busy in their own personal lives, but even one day each fall would make a huge difference,” said Kevin Sweetland, volunteer CCSO President.
Besides helping to ensure that everything is ready when the snow comes, volunteering for your local snowmobile club provides many other benefits.
Among them is the camaraderie and fun of connecting with other snowmobilers to make new friends, share experiences and meet more riding companions.
For many volunteers, the personal satisfaction of making a contribution to the activity they love is also important. Others simply like to get outdoors to enjoy the fall.
“Most folks say that volunteering for their local club makes them feel more apart of snowmobiling and appreciative of all that goes on behind the scenes. Besides, volunteering for your club in the fall is absolutely the best way to take the edge off your eager anticipation for the coming winter!” said Eric Saunter, OFSC manager, Safety and Volunteer Development. “Now is the time to call and volunteer!”
The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO/CCOM) is dedicated to providing leadership and support to organized snowmobiling in Canada.
Visit www.ofsc.on.ca and then click on the ‘Volunteering’ button.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to, and on behalf of, its member organizations. Our provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities, providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable.
