Sebastien Schwarz is nearing the half decade mark as a twice-weekly carrier of the Saanich News, a considerable feat considering he’s just 14 years old.
“It’s been almost five years on the route and I’ll keep doing it until I get a part time job maybe, which won’t happen until at least next year,” he said.
Schwarz says taking on the Holmes Street route, which he delivers near Cook and Quadra streets, has been a great way to become part of the neighbourhood.
“The best part is getting to know the community and your neighbours. When we moved in, I knew nobody, now I know the neighbourhood and they know me as well,” he said. “I also do mowing and other yard jobs in the area which I’ve been able to get thanks to the paper route.”
Saanich News is celebrating its carriers and circulation staff as part of International Carrier Appreciation Week, which recognizes the importance and hard work of newspaper circulation staff, drivers and carriers who are steeped in the newspaper industry and its rich tradition.
“Carriers are such a fundamental part of our industry,” said Saanich News editor Dan Palmer. “The job is a great opportunity for young people to gain experience and carriers of all ages benefit from the opportunity to connect with the community.”
As for Schwarz, he’s been investing the money with his parents’ help, and is considering putting some of it towards driver training and a new car, when he reaches that age. Right now he’s in Grade 9 at Spectrum Community school where he’s in line for the trades program. It offers a well-rounded foundation for the Camosun College trades program he is already focused on.
Little brother Lysander, 12, has also joined the team, managing an adjacent route to Cook and Quadra for a year now.
Praise for our carriers
An army of 508 newspaper carriers bring the Saanich News to your doorstep every Wednesday and Friday. Another 19 drivers transport paper bundles from our press centre on Enterprise Crescent to each of their drop-off locations, and four field representatives oversee the whole works.
At our head office on Broughton Street, circulation managers Miki Speirs and Melissa Mitchell work tirelessly to fill routes. As Carrier Appreciation Week wraps up, Saanich News editorial team salutes our circulation teammates, who ensure our publication continues to be your local news leader.
reporter@saanichnews.com