Big Calgary Cowboy Welcome from White Hatter Volunteers

Rob Bernshaw Calgary International Airport White Hatters Lower Left Friday Jan 18 2013

Rob Bernshaw, Columnist

How many people in Alberta of 2013 realize the many different volunteer groups and organizations that  are in every community in Alberta to help guide us along our journey forward? Also how many people realize that each individual volunteer groups or organizations are communities unto themselves as well?


When a community realizes that we are all in this together a seed is planted. When nourished and encouraged this seed will sprout, bloom and expand to embrace all around including the members of  the community that planted the seed in the first place.
As this seed of an idea expands and grows to embrace the world community in which it resides all will reap the benefit of that original seed planted with thoughtfulness, respect and love.



The value of its service is seen and encouraged with respect, love and honor to all that travel through or reside within its boundaries.

We will now takeoff on a flight of discovery that this writer found after touching down at the Calgary International Airport(YYC) on Friday Jan 18, 2013 arriving from Las Vegas on a pleasant flight with WestJet. This writer has flown many times into and out of  YYC and for some reason did not notice or realize that the volunteer group calling themselves the White Hatters were around. On this journey a White Hatter by  the name of Lois a 13 year volunteer veteran stopped and offered a ride in the golf cart she was operating to save this writer approximately a long 10 minute walk with luggage to Canada Customs  along the hallway shown below.

Long Hallway heading towards Customs at Calgary International Airport(YYC) Friday Jan 18 2013

That small act of kindness needs to be recognized and promoted.


On Canada Day July 1, 1991 the seed had sprouted and the White Hat volunteers made their first appearance on the arrivals level of the YYC. Originally there were 49 volunteers and now in 2013 there are over 300 dedicated volunteers greeting and welcoming visitors arriving at YYC.  ~source: www.calgaryairport.com/Default.aspx?cid=103&lang=1

This dedicated group of individuals is looking to increase their membership to 500 by 2014 when the airport expansion is completed in order to provide a welcoming travel experience for all visiting the Calgary International Airport from anywhere in our wonderful world.

If you would like to know more about the White Hatters or have a desire to become a part of something bigger than oneself please contact:
Manager of Western Hospitality Debbie Stahl  by phone at 403-735-1251 or by email at DebbieS@yyc.com

Expand your horizons meet people from our world community that have something to offer that one would not gain by staying home watching TV.

The interaction and camaraderie alone would expand ones view of the community around them in such a manner that everyone will benefit and grow. We plant the seeds and it is up to us to encourage others to do the same. Imagine the possibilities that one seed planted in love will benefit a whole community in the process. The White Hatters saw a need planted a seed and now look how it has grown in 22 short years of nurturing and with continued nurturing and encouragement will flourish and expand for all to reap the benefits of that one seed planted many years ago at the world class Calgary International Airport.

A vibrant community where all within its boundaries are nourished and encouraged to grow in order to benefit the communities around them in a pleasing respectful manner.

Included in this column is a short off the cuff video interview with Lois a kind dedicated volunteer, one of the many that provide courtesy rides and direction for travelers and visitors arriving at the Calgary International Airport.

This columnist would also like to give kudos to the Calgary Airport Authority in how they are doing everything in their power to support volunteer groups such as the White Hatters in order to provide the pleasant experiences and service for all travelers and visitors through their world class airport. The White Hatters are providing a very enjoyable customer service experience that makes flying out of and into the Calgary International Airport joyful and memorable.

Thank you White Hatters and the Calgary Airport Authority for making this traveler's experience one to remember.

White Cowboy Hat and Stetson background info:

The first cowboy hat was made by John B. Stetson in 1863 to protect himself from the weather of the American West.  In 1946, Calgary hatmaker Morris Shumiatcher of Smithbilt Hats introduced the first pure white cowboy hat, using felt imported from Russia. The white cowboy hat is the iconic symbol of the City of Calgary. Symbolizing the cowboy welcoming spirit of Calgary it is often copied but never duplicated.

~source: www.smithbilthats.com/white-hat