National Volunteer Week: Ron, White Hatter

Today, as part of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating Ron who witnessed a marriage proposal at YYC.

Age: 74 years old

How long have you been volunteering for YYC?

Nine years in May 2019 as YYC volunteer.

How often do you volunteer?

I volunteer with my wife Linda every Sunday from 2 - 6 p.m.

Why do you volunteer at YYC?

It’s a very refreshing experience when you get to meet and greet passengers from all walks of life. Traveling can be stressful for a lot of people. Welcoming, friendly faces make a big difference for these passengers. That’s how I feel when in a foreign place anyways.

What is your favourite experience/story you’ve had while volunteering at YYC?

There are many, but my most memorable one happened a few years back. One afternoon, while assisting at the International Arrivals area, a young gentleman waiting for his girlfriend to arrive from London asked me where he could buy flowers. So I took him to the flower shop. On our way there, he asked me this question. “Is it proper for me to propose to my girlfriend here at the airport?” That question caught me off guard. My answer was “follow your heart…any place is a good place.” After he bought a beautiful set of flowers, we walked back to the delayed flight. I then asked him that, should he propose today, if I can take a video of the event and he said yes. So I had my cellphone ready and positioned myself from a close distance amongst the crowded area. Soon after, a young, excited beautiful lady came running towards this Romeo. Lots of hugs and lots of kisses! Then came the moment, he reached into his pocket, knelt down on one knee and said his piece. The bunch of people who realized what was going on applauded when she said “YES”! I was able to capture the whole event on video from start to finish.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I was a registered architect in Alberta and worked in engineering in the oil industry. In terms of my hobbies, I am an avid golfer and pickleball player.

Thank you Ron and Linda for being part of the YYC White Hat program for nine years! Click here to read more about our White Hat volunteer program.

National Volunteer Week runs from April 7 – 13. The Calgary Airport Authority wouldn’t be the same without our volunteers. To honour our volunteers during this week, we’re profiling one each day during National Volunteer Week. We’re also celebrating our White Hatters with a dinner and dance on April 7, and we’re thanking our Pre-Board Pals with a fun evening on April 11. Take a moment this week to thank a volunteer. They all make the guest experience extra special here at YYC and we couldn’t do it without them.