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Newspaper Carriers Unsung Heroes of Print Industry
Newspaper Carriers Unsung Heroes of Print Industry
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Newspaper carriers are the unsung heroes of the print industry as they deliver the news week in and week out in all types of weather conditions without any expectation of praise or award for what they do.
Doug Hopper is one of those unsung heroes for the Vegreville News Advertiser. He has worked both a residential and business route for the weekly publication for the past 24 years. He is one of 19 regular carriers on staff who personally deliver the newspaper door to door.
Having spent a bit of time on Doug’s paper route it’s plain to see how much he loves his job. He smiles and waves at everyone he meets, often stopping for a couple of minutes to chat. Shortly after 8 am, Doug arrives at the back door of the newspaper office to pick up his bundles of newspapers. He has his wagon in tow. He sets aside three small wheels and a tarp before loading up. “So, the wind doesn’t carry them away.”
He makes sure the fold of the newspaper is facing up for easy access. He points out that this is a “new wagon” that his brother bought for him because his other wagon, ‘Big Bear’ had been stolen. “One time someone stole my papers,” adds Doug. Often, people passing by ask him for a copy of the newspaper, but he directs them to the big red box in front of the newspaper office, because the copies he has are already allocated.
Doug says he started his paper route to “earn some money” and he makes sure to set it aside for certain things. “Sometimes I get tips,” adds Doug, having received a few dollars, cheques and a cup of coffee from grateful residents and business owners.
“I work hard for my money,” says Doug, who also works as a janitor at the emergency services building on Tuesday evening. He’s also a honourary firefighter for the Vegreville Fire Services. He also puts in time at the hockey rink picking up pucks. He’s a longtime friend of Rangers Equipment Manager Peter Skoreyko as they both share a love of the game.
When asked how old he is, Doug replies: “I’m 59. I’m going to be turning 60 on Dec. 15.” He shows absolutely no signs of slowing down and clearly loves what he does for himself and the community at large.
Getting ready to head back to the office, Doug shakes my hand and says, “Have a nice day. Some time we’ll have to have a cup of coffee.” It’s that kindness and generosity of spirit that is truly endearing and makes Doug a great ambassador for the newspaper; but most importantly, a beloved individual who makes a difference in peoples’ lives.
