One of the most unheralded, yet vital, links in a newspaper’s production will get some deserved recognition this week in celebration of 2016 Carrier Appreciation Day on Oct. 8.
“Without their efforts the paper doesn’t truly get out,” said Kristene Murray, the News’ distribution manager. “We rely on a team of young carriers, as well as some adults, to deliver the paper twice a week. And they do a tremendous job.”
One of those carriers is 14-year-old Liam Forrest, who started delivering papers about two and a half years ago with the Richmond Review, then switched to the News just over a year ago when the Review ceased publishing.
Forrest, a Grade 9 student at McMath secondary, admitted the task can sometimes be hard, when the 105 or so papers on his route are big and heavy. But the satisfaction of having a job and getting paid for his efforts is rewarding.
“Wednesdays are always the heaviest,” he said. “But the biggest come on Black Friday and Christmas Eve.”
The job has also instilled in him a sense of maturity and discipline.
“There are times when I want to just hang out with my friends, but I have to do my paper route. It’s, like, my job. It’s a chore, something I have to do,” he said. “It’s my responsibility, no one else’s.”
The task has allowed him to get to know other people in his neighbourhood as he drops off papers on doorsteps.
“I say hello and I’ve gotten to know a lot of them,” Liam said.
The job has also allowed Liam to start a long-term savings account.
“I only spend a small portion,” he said, adding his older sister, Kelsey, 16, has also become a News carrier.
“She recently got her learner’s (driver’s licence) and wants to buy a car,” Liam said.
Their mother, Linda Stein, said she was delighted when her children got involved delivering the paper.
“I thought it was great. I knew I’d have to help, but it gives them some extra money, responsibility and keeps them busy,” she said.
The News has roughly 250 carriers and routes are often in need of filling. For more information about how you can be part of the team, call 604-249-3353.
