Sailor Dan

Famous in his own right, Sailor Dan is kind of a local celebrity around these parts. I had been looking to find this infamous local artist for the sole purpose of a brief photo op. So you could probably imagine my level of happy when he happened to turned up in my neighbourhood mall parking lot. There he was, just standing there, selling his art to some guy in a truck. So I seized the moment and asked if he’d be a willing subject. He graciously agreed. 

Sailor Dan & his drawing

We set up a time to meet in an hour or so, because wouldn't you know it, I had my dogs in the back of my truck, and of course no camera.  The next hour transpired as such.. High five'd myself - did a happy dance - got a coffee - walked the dogs - drove home - grabbed my camera, and booked it back to the arranged location. Would he bail? Will he be where he said he would be?  He didn't, and he was - true to his word. 
No surprise someone had recognized him, and commissioned one of his drawings right then and there. So I had some time to shoot this fabled sailor in action. 

While he's creating his masterpiece he attracts a bit of attention. 

A few admirers stop to say hello. 

Chatting up this old Sailor can be a challenge with his gravelly mumbled voice, but he is such an iconic and gentle character it was worth the struggle.  

I thank you Sailor Dan, you are a brilliant subject, and a genuinely talented soul.

TD

Childrens Hospital Foundation Radioathon

There has to be a million great causes to part you from your money now a days. But I’m telling you, sick kids has to be top of the list. Come on.. Sick kids? Oh my heart! Alright and puppies, ok dogs.. I’m a sucker for dog rescues. Wait, and elephants, Ok maybe dolphins too. For love of god, I need a second job. My point is, when it’s local, and there’s sick kids involved, it is worth the time and the $$ to get involved, always..

And I'll tell ya what- Saskatoon is the best at this rally and support thing, yes we are!  Look at the love, money + efforts that come together for the Kinsmen Foundation's annual Telemiracle here in Saskatchewan.  Going into their 41st year this coming March 2017. They've raised millions for Saskatchewan residents helping those with physical challenges access to special needs equipment and medical assistance that wouldn’t otherwise be attainable. Thats how we do things here on the prairies. It’s how we were raised. Spreading the love regardless of race, creed, or religion. Take that Trump. 

To read some of their stories go to Children's Hospital Sask

Unfathomable to imagine, and thank god for small mercies, that most of us will never have to know the pain, suffering, and anxiety these children and their families endure.  No one ever knows what the future holds regarding the health of a child, grandchild, niece or nephew.  It takes a a lot of dedicated and caring people to build a successful fundraising effort such as the Children’s Hospital Radioathon .

Piper and Marcus  

There is a small army of volunteers, supporters, sponsors and donators that pull off this three day event. And with a 6am start time daily, my level of 'you people are THE shit'  kinda went up a notch. Ya ya, I know there are waves of shifts and replacement volunteers, but there are also individuals that are there for the full shindig each day.  The funds being raised are for the sole purpose of pediatric care and equipment for the province of Saskatchewan. And without a doubt we will be needing a lot of it to fill that brand new children's hospital with some top notch, cutting edge technology and equipment. 

Great vibes - fun people. A big high five to all that selflessly come out to do their part, ring those phones, and help raise some serious moola. All $431,409.60 of it! 

Until next year folks

~TD