Proud to be Canadian

By Richard Holloway
CPC Brampton
   

First of all, I think it’s great that the word CANADIAN is part of our organization’s name.  I have been a member for only a short time, that being since January 2004.

I attended my first National Convention in Edmonton last September.  I met people “from sea to shining sea”.  Everyone was great.  You make everyone feel welcome.  All the clubs have the same goal, to help people and make a difference.  You could feel the positive energy.

Some Clubs may be big and some clubs may be small but all Progress members are very proud Canadians.  So I ask the question “What makes us so proud?”  I am a marathon runner who has traveled and I wear our flag and colours with pride.  One time I ran a race in New York City just after our country said they would not help the USA fight in a war.  People told me I was crazy to go.  When I was there no one gave me a hard time, but I did hear a man yell, “Don’t run too close to that Canadian, he might give you SARS”.  After that remark, I had lots of room to run.

One of my American friends says, ‘Canadians are no nice, if you step on their foot, they  will apologize for their foot being in the way.’  On many trips in my life people have asked me if I was American; I smile and say, “No, I am Canadian, and proud of it.”

Is it because we have some of the greatest things life can offer, fresh water lakes, three oceans, mountains, great forests, rolling prairies and a country full of great people?  Some of my favourite things are fresh fish, beef, lobster and Maple Syrup.  What about that feeling when your team dominates in hockey?

I ran my last marathon for Team Diabetes in Dublin Ireland in October just after Convention and I met several Canadians from across the country.  Many of them knew of the Canadian Progress Club and the work that is being done.  I am very proud to be a member of Progress in the greatest Country in the World!  Are you?  $22,000.00 would not have been raised for Team Diabetes without the support of the Canadian Progress Club of Brampton.  Thank You!

Proud Canadian,
Richard Holloway