Monday, January 28, 2008

Road to Victory Set for BC Interior!

From Friday February 8 to Sunday February 10 the BC Young Liberals will be touring the Interior as part of the Road to Victory Tour.

During the day BCYL members will be going door-to-door to deliver important information to local residents. In the evenings, members will meet with local MLAs, party members and youth.

As always, members will blog live about their trip right here at www.roadtovictory.ca

Here is the schedule for the tour:

Friday February 8
(5:00 PM - 7:30 PM) - Flyer Drop in Kamloops
(7:30 PM) - Social with Kevin Kreuger

Saturday February 9
(8:30 AM - 11:00 AM) - Drive Kamloops to Revelstoke
(11:00 AM - 1:30 PM) - Coffee/Donuts & Flyer Drop in Revelstoke
(1:30 PM - 3:30 PM) - Drive Revelstoke to Vernon
(3:30 PM - 4:30 PM) - Late Lunch with Tom Christensen
(4:30 PM - 6:30 PM) - Flyer Drop in Vernon
(6:30 PM - 7:30 PM) - Vernon to Kelowna
(7:30 PM) - Social with Rick Thorpe

Sunday February 10
(9:00 AM - 11:30 AM) - Flyer Drop in Okanagan-Westside
(11:00 AM - 12:00 PM) - Drive Kelowna to Penticton
(12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) - Lunch with Riding Association
(1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) - Flyer Drop in Penticton

If you’re interested in participating, please e-mail us at info@bcyl.ca - it'd be great to have you join us!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

"On the Road to Victory!" - by Stirling Dyer

Posted January 21, 2008
By Stirling Dyer

This past weekend I had the priviledge of rolling with the BC Young Liberals on the Vancouver Island portion of the Road to Victory Tour, and if the levels of enthusiam that I witnessed is indicative we may have the most active and enthused youth wing ever conceived working to keep the Liberals in power in B.C.

A little background info on the Road the Victory Tour: Since mid-2007 the BCYL has been gathering in different areas around to province to plaster them with BC Liberal flyers. Our goal in this is to keep the enthusiasm for all the great things going on in this province up, and make sure that people make it out and vote Liberal in 2009. This past weekends leg of the tour brings us up to 14 areas covered, and over 6,000 flyers delivered!

So how did it go this time? To say the least, fantastic. To say the most… supremely fantastically awesomely great! After we caught the Ferry from the Mainland over to the Island, we got to meet our home for the weekend…. and wow were we scared.

This…. thing…. was our party bus for the weekend, and when we first saw it there was talks of impeaching Chris on the spot. But it grew on us all, and we were semi-affectionately calling it “The Duck” by tours end. We made a quick flyer drop in Saanich and then headed for downtown Victoria where we went for dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory and got checked into our Hotel. Of course a quiet evening sleeping and preparing for the miles of walking the next day just is not our style, so the crew went out to the Element, a local club.

Long story short, sleep came at about 5am, and we were up at 7am to start a full day of events. We hit up flyer drops in Victoria and Malahat and had a fantastic lunch at a swank Country Club. After parting from the Club the Road to Victory hit a major pothole. The duck quacked!

Just south of Duncan we thought all may be lost. With a geyser of steam shooting out of the engine, which we all took as a great photo op, no one knew if we were stuck. We had the best of luck and our godly driver was able to get us back on the road within a half hour, and off we went to Nanaimo for a reception with the local riding association.

Our hotel for the night was no where near Nanaimo though, so back onto the Duck we got and headed for Campbell River.

Sunday was a whole other matter. After 2 nights of partying, a full day of flyer drops, and almost zero sleep we had a massive quantity of zombies. But push on we did, and got 2 more full flyer drops in at Campbell River and Courtney/Comox! The trip back down to Nanaimo to catch the ferry was the quietest I had witnessed the Duck at any point, and everyone was pretty happy to be heading home for the recovery period ahead.

All in all, a great success all around! Great things happened, and even when our engine blew up or we were all suffering exhaustion we pushed forward. With this sort of group leading the way in BC Youth Politics, the NDP isn’t going to know what hit them!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Nanaimo, Campbell River, Courtney, Home

Sorry for the lack of updates from the last day of the trip - reception was bad and we had some problems logging in and posting on the site. Here's a look at what you missed:

We had a great Dinner Social in Nanaimo on Saturday night, hosted by the Nanaimo and Nanaimo-Parksville Riding Associations. Over 30 local members, including local MLA Ron Cantelon came out to welcome us. As we walked through the door of the restaurant,I was flattered by the reception we recieved - claps, cheers and smiles all around - the energy and enthusiasm in the room was ubelievable. As I walked around the room, I kept thinking that this was what the Road to Victory Tour was all about - bringing people together to create the energy and form the friendships to fuel an unstopable grassroots movement.

I've always believed that with enough volunteers and enough effort, any campaign can make a difference and that means there's always a reason to get together and work for what you believe in. As I spoke to the room on Saturday night, I could feel the start of something special and it didn't take anything extraordinary - the power of people getting together and working for a common cause was enough to inspire everyone there.

On Sunday, we all woke up tired but still energised by the success of the trip and the difference we were making. Everyone was chatting about the people they met, the voters they talked to and the support they felt.

We arrived at the Campbell River campaign office just after 9:00 AM and were greeted by "Team North Island" - a great group of volunteers who very nearly won the riding in 2005. The weather was fantastic and everyone had a great time as we split up into groups and delivered over 1500 flyers to local residents.

The sun continued to shine as we went onto Courtney and delivered another 1200 flyers. As everyone climbed back on board "the duck", you could tell that the weekend had been busy. I was estatic with what we'd accomplished but couldn't wait to get home to some TV and a cup of tea.

I want to thank everyone who was involved with this weekend's Road to Victory Tour. The youth volunteers who dedicated their weekend to deliver a message and inspire supporters from all across Vancouver Island were incredibly committed and made the trip successful and fun. The local supporters who recieved us at every stop were welcoming, encouraging and beyond supportive - they gave us the energy and purpose to keep working hard. A special thanks to Ryan, who in addition to being our driver for the whole weekend also put a huge amount of work into organizing the logistics of the trip and thanks also to Jack, who put a ton of work into many of the events.

Thank you everyone for making the Road to Victoy Tour such a fantastic success!

A final note - this web site recieved over 500 hits during the weekend - thanks so much for showing your support of the Road to Victory Tour by visiting this site, it's great to see the tour reaching so many people!

- Chris

Sunday, January 20, 2008

The fine differences between flyering in the city and flyering in the boonies.

[I wanted to post this yesterday but my phone died. ]

Yes, another blog post from Wisam. Aren't you excited already? I am!

So, we just finished flyering in Malahat and ... whew! What a difference! I feel compelled to share my eventful(ish) last two hours with everyone.

After splitting into car-sized groups we headed to entirely unfamiliar (at least for me) residential areas off the highway.

For those of you who are also unfamiliar with rural Malahat, allow me to paint you a picture (also see pictures above :p); sweeping mile long driveways (that we have to walk up), generous distance between neighbours (that we have to walk to), unexpecting locals (that we have to validate ourselves to), vicious dogs (that wisam runs from), and a plethora of colorful reserves and trailer parks. This, ladies and gentlemen, is beautiful, beautiful Malahat.

On to the juicy details; myself, two other BCYLers and Cathy, our kind and knowledgeable guide, drove out to our first stop for flyering - a very sparsely populated residential area. From what I could gather, these residents live in a very tight-knit community where visiting outsiders are rare. One of the first houses I approached had overt thick bars securing all the windows along with a similarly secured glass door in front of the front door. As I came up to the house I couldn't help but wonder what sort of area we were in that would require such measures. There is no mailbox so I ring the door. A weary elder woman opens the door with a cold calculating stare. As she conspicuously slowly eyes me up and down I offer that I am with the BC Liberals and harmlessly handing out some information. She continued with her suspicious gaze, her eyes shifting back and forth from the flyers in my hands to my face. Moments of awkwardness pass - me wondering if she's going to believe me and open the door and her still trying to figure out my intentions; she finally flatly motions for me to just leave the flyer outside of the door and then quickly closes the front door. How welcoming! I defeatedly walk back down the mile long driveway - the cynic in me is stirred.

I walk to the next distant house where even more of a surprise was waiting for me. As I come up to the front door a large, intimidating german shepherd awakens and begins to bark uncontrollably. I shake in my boots and decide I'm going to skip this house as the killer beast continues to angrily paw at the front door. As I retreat down the driveway, a woman in the house, for reasons still completely unknown to me,- GET THIS - DECIDES TO OPEN THE FRONT DOOR AND LET HER RIDICULOUS DOG OUT TO FULFILL HIS DREAM OF TURNING ME INTO KIBBLES AND BITS! THIS HUGE, INTIMIDATING, FEROCIOUS DOG COMES BARRELING DOWN AT ME WITH THE INTENT TO KILL IN HIS EYES. I FROZE! I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! The dog came behind me barking and growling violently, as the women effortlessly called after him. Don't worry he's not violent at all, she called out to me - oh thanks! How very reassuring! NOT! Yes, fine, he didn't end up biting me but still who lets their stupid dog out to chase a simple messenger. We quickly finished the rest of the area and headed to our next spot, a reserve followed by a quaint little trailer park. Wooo go Liberals!

Delayed,
Wisam

Much Needed Update!

I'm updating the blog from the Discovery Inn here in Campbell River. Reception was bad for most of our trip so we weren't able to provide updates along the way. Here's a quick review of what happened yesterday from start to finish:

Flyer Drop in Oak Bay and South Saanich

Lunch & Flyer Drop in Malahat

Our bus - nicknamed "The Duck" - had a bit of engine trouble while we were traveling from Malahat to Nanaimo. We were stuck in Duncan for about half-an-hour but made it back on the road!

Dinner Social with MLA Ron Cantelon in Nanaimo

Back on the bus and headed for Campbell River

- Chris

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Malahat Drop Done!

We've finished delivering a few hundred flyers to Malahat residents. Now we're off to Nanaimo! - Chris

The "Duck" Quacks

The Duck's engine is overheating so we're leaving it to cool down for a bit while we head out with members of the Malahat - Juan de Fuca BC Liberals riding association to drop off some more flyers!

- Chris

Lunch

Just stopping for Lunch at the Arbutus Ridge Country Club in Malahat! - Chris

Day two (round two)

After a wildly successful night, we're now on day two!

We started the morning with a much needed breakfast. I had two pieces of toast and tea (speaks for last night). Breakfast was served with hilarious recounts from our outing last night - good times were had.

After breakfast, we all boarded the RV (now known within my sphere of influence as "the duck") and made our way out to a nice residential area. We spent the better part of the morning flyer dropping. Chris and I even spent some time knocking on doors and talking to the locals.

We're now on our way to Malahat and then onto a Dinner Social in Nanaimo before ending the day in Campbell River.

I'll keep you all updated!

P.S. Apparently we're getting over one hundred hits a day! Can I get a Woo?

Over and out,
Wisam


--
Sent from my BlackBerry

Back on the bus!

Over 1500 Flyers dropped, bellies full, bladders empty and we're on the road!! Thanks to Julianne for the fantastic treats - we are energised and ready for the Mallahat! Bring it on...this youth group can take anything!!!

- Kris Zellweger

Cold & Rain

It's cold and raining but everyone's ready to head out for stop #2 - South Saanich and Oak Bay!

- Chris

Friday, January 18, 2008

End of Day 1

Tonight, we had a great Dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory with BC Liberal Cabinet Ministers Murray Coell and Ida Chong, attended by over 30 people!

That's it for Day 1... make sure to check back tomorrow!

Old Spaghetti Factory! Where else?

W
--
Sent from my BlackBerry

Live from the Tour Bus

First Drop Done!

We just dropped a few hundred flyers in north Saanich! Now we're back on the bus and headed for dinner.

- Chris

Our Tour Bus...

Our "party bus". The pictures say it all.

Yours truly,
Wisam
--
Sent from my BlackBerry

And it all begins...

Road to Victory Tour - Vancouver Island

So, here we all are. Twelve fearless young men and women about to embark into the unknown. Our ferry has been delayed half an hour for unclear reasons. As our inspirational leader (according to Stirling), Chris Sandve, leaves to try and find out more info, most of us are hanging out in the Tsawwa... Argh, the problem of blogging from a blackberry - as I was in the middle of writing the first part of this post, Chris came to herd us all back to board the ferry. (Sorry for the convolutedness.)

We're now on the ferry and on our way! Excitement is in the air. Our RV, wishfully coined "the party bus", will be meeting us on the other side. We're not sure whether to expect a shimmering five star hotel on wheels or an old slimey shipwreck. Ill let you all know. Keep your fingers crossed for the former!

On a final note, Chris wanted us to run all blog posts past him before submitting them. This post however, as expected from me, has not been sanctioned. Take that Sandve. Muhaha.

Until next time,
Wisam Abdulla
--
Sent from my BlackBerry

Vancouver Island Tour Starts Today!

In a few hours, close to two dozen BCYL members will kick-off the Road to Victory Tour on Vancouver Island! This weekend, we will be traveling across Vancouver Island in a RV and making stops in several key areas to deliver important information to local residents and meet with local party members, supporters and MLAs.

The Road to Victory Tour will start in Saanich later today, followed by a Dinner Social in Victoria with Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell. On Saturday, the Tour will stop in South Saanich, Oak Bay and Malahat, before concluding with a Dinner Social in Nanaimo with local MLA Ron Cantelon. On Sunday, the Tour will start in Campbell River and finish up with a stop in Courtney.

Along the way, members of the BCYL will be blogging live right here at roadtovictory.ca. Keep checking back throughout the weekend for updates on the tour!

- Chris Sandve
President, BC Young Liberals

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Road to Victory Tour Set for Vancouver Island!

The 2008 Road to Victory Tour has begun!

From Friday January 18 to Sunday January 20, the BC Young Liberals will be touring Vancouver Island as part of the Road to Victory Tour.

During the day BCYL members will be going door-to-door to deliver important information to local residents. In the evenings, members will meet with local MLAs, party members and youth.

As always, members will blog live about their trip right here at www.roadtovictory.ca

More details including a schedule of stops for the tour, will be posted soon!

If you’re interested in participating, please e-mail us at info@bcyl.ca - it'd be great to have you join us!