Abbey Van Duzer Former Student + Canadian Para Alpine Ski Team Prospect When I was eight years old, struggling to find a sport that best fit my personality and disability (prosthetic leg) my parents were introduced to a friend of ours who’s daughter also had a prosthetic leg. They mentioned she really enjoyed skiing which gave my parents the motivation to sign me up. None of us had any idea how it was going to go, however, looking back I’m so proud to call all the amazing individuals I met as family. Every single person in T3 is so supportive, kind, and determined, I wouldn’t be at this spot in my ski career without them ( Prospect for The Canadian Para Alpine Ski Team ) . I will never forget my experience there, especially all of my amazing instructors and friends that I met along the way! - Abbey Van Duzer

Jack Sim Volunteer When Track3’s president put out a request for some thoughts and experiences from my time at Track3, I thought “No problem, I can whip that off in no time. Boy was I wrong. For those that don't know me, I have been around Track3 so long that there are no records of my early years. Best I can figure out is that I have been a volunteer for 35 years less a few when I went out to Calgary to play in the big hills, so picking out a few stories would be child’s play. When I sat down at my computer stories started jumping out at me fast and furious. Stories about my time as Program Director, VP of the Board, Course Conductor, 2 different stints as a Track3 employee...as I'm sure you can imagine, all these had stories of their own. I am frequently reminded of all the students I have taught and who have taught me about life, perseverance and laughter most of all. Turns out there were too many to pick from, each one with it's own special story, so I thought I would start with my very first student. At the time, I had little knowledge of Track3. I was working as a gym teacher at what is now the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital . At that time we ran indoor sessions for the students and new instructors every Saturday afternoon. Jim Fraser, T3’s Executive Director at the time, asked me if I could run these sessions. With his wit and charm, he talked me into doing it. After the sessions were over, Jim asked to come and volunteer. Jim’s inability to see any obstacle in his way talked me into it. He said, "you can always be the snowmobile driver" , something else I did not have any experience in. (See future story on how to pull a sit ski up a hill attached to a snowmobile) I'm happy to share that I passed my level one. With trepidation my first day with a student Jonny arrived. Jonny had downs syndrome and was very outgoing. He walked up to me, gave me a high 5 and said, “Jim told me I’m going ski with you because you don’t ski too good and I am supposed stay on the bunny hill and teach you”. He did and 35ish years later I'm still here and that first day teaching at Track3 still brings me a chuckle and a fond memory.

Kathy Saunders Office Administrator 2001 - Present I have had one of the most amazing and rewarding jobs for the past 21 years! There have been so many great moments in the time I have worked at Track3. Without question, it's the only position where I have felt secure, amazed, humbled and rewarded every day that I have worked in the Track3 office. I've had the privilege of meeting so many kind, compassionate, and giving individuals who are our volunteers, sponsors and donors. What did I do to deserve this atmosphere set upon me? There is nothing more rewarding than meeting the amazing families and participants and the interaction they have with their dedicated volunteer. You cannot put a price on the excitement that comes from these students when they see their “Track3 Family” after a long spring, summer and fall. When winter has arrived and the snow is on the ground, there are no words to describe this feeling. It is the pay off of everyone’s commitment to these kids and the values we place on what Track3 is about and how we operate. Cheers to our Track3 Family! You are Elite human beings.

Many Canadian companies donate to non-profit organizations, which, not only makes a difference for the charity, it can also be good for the company’s public relations, reputation amongst consumers, and engagement of employees.