Two individuals who are the heart and soul of the Sparwood Curling Club have been honoured for their years of selfless service.
Irene Endicott and her son David were among 12 individuals and organizations recognized at this year’s Curl BC awards. Like mother, like son; a hardworking attitude has evidently been passed on through the generations.
Anyone who has curled at the Sparwood Curling Club and stayed afterwards for a beverage, knows that you get your drink from ‘Mum’s Bar’.
Eighty-eight-year-old Irene, or Mum, was awarded the Judie Roberts Friendship Award for her years of volunteer work with the club.
She has served as the volunteer bartender for the Sparwood Curling Club for 18 years. God willing, in her words, she’ll still be bartending when she’s 100.
“She does it for the fun of it, it’s because she likes volunteering,” said David, describing the many hours his mother dedicates to the club.
“It helps me out because I don’t do any work otherwise,” said Irene.
“But it’s the social aspect of it too, right?” asked David.
“Oh yeah, they all call me mum,” laughed Irene. “I’m 88. Going to live to 100 and give ‘em a tough time. It’s been a fun time, I’ve enjoyed doing it.”
During the fall, Irene bartends three days a week; no complaints, all with a giant smile and enthusiastic attitude. After Christmas, she works two nights a week, in addition to any bonspiels.
By the age of 88, most would be long retired and ready to relax, but not Irene. Irene described her bartending ‘job’ as a great way to keep active, socialize with her friends and watch the sport she loves.
Club members hail her as an integral part of the Sparwood Curling Club family. Any money she receives while working at the bar goes towards supporting the club. Any tips she receives are given back to her grandchildren.
Over the years, she and her son have together helped the club climb out of a $20,000 debt.
“Her connection to the community, big smile and her sales ability to attract customers to support the cause has been invaluable,” explained Curl BC in their release.
Living just one block from the curling club, David has truly dedicated his life to the sport. David was awarded the Pat Kennedy Long Service Volunteer Award for his years of work with the Sparwood Curling Club.
Since 1993, David has served as president of the club but wears many other hats. From renting the ice to organizing events and coaching the junior curlers, there aren’t many things David doesn’t do.
“David works tirelessly to promote Sparwood Curling Club and ensure it has volunteers it needs to run effectively, and the community support it needs to thrive,” said Curl BC.
“Being president of the Sparwood Curling Club is not a job for David, it is his passion.”
David said it’s almost strange to be recognized for something that he knows wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many people.
During his time as president, David has raised a family. He said without their support, he could have never dedicated the time he has to the club.
“Behind every president there’s a good secretary,” chimed in his wife Barb from the other room.
“I’ve had some strong volunteers that have stuck with me right from the first day I took over as president… A whole host of executives; those guys stand out because they’re still with me now, right,” said David.
“With that strong group of volunteers underneath me, it enabled me to say yes, I’ll do it again.”