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Hostelling Mission Statement
"SameSun Backpacker Lodges intend to open backpacker hostels accommodations throughout the world. The goal is to provide budget accommodation that is economical and affordable for the international hostelling traveler while promoting peace, local culture, and environmentalism. Our Canadian accommodation hostels are to be sanctuaries where colour, race, religion and creed do not matter – everyone is treated with the same respect. A SameSun hostel accommodation will try to model sustainability and peaceful co-existence as an example of what our world could be like some day. Our operations will be profitable both financially and for the human family, as our long-term directive will always include doing our part to promote a positive world culture." |
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The Story
The whole thing started when co-founders Jeff Gusdal and Craig Kelley had a few too many beers at the local golf course in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada. They had both just finished backpacking trips (Craig in Australia/New Zealand and Jeff in Europe). They both felt the highlight of their trips was "hanging" in the hostels with people from all over the world and exchanging stories. Canada had yet to feel the backpacking boom and both Craig and Jeff felt it was bound to happen...even if they had to make it happen. They managed to scrape together a few bucks, brought on a management team as vision minded as they were (including local investment Guru Dale Unland), and away they went.
SameSun started its hostelling operations in Kelowna, British Columbia, (BC), in July, 1995 with an 18 bed hostel accommodation leased in an old house on Bernard Avenue. In the years since then, SameSun has grown to almost 1200 beds in locations all over Western Canada, namely Big White, Silver Star, Revelstoke, Fernie, Banff, Vancouver and yes - still Kelowna (although instead of an old house, SameSun now has a brand new, air-conditioned custom designed building downtown across from the beach...and instead of sleeping 18 people it sleeps 118!). |
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Craig Kelley
President & CEO
Craig is a member of Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Doctors without Borders and the World Wildlife Federation. Craig also has a foster child in Kenya.
BIGGEST BEEF: The role that resources play in the world of politics and war. |
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Riaz Virani
Vice President
Riaz is a supporter of Congressman Ron Paul, personal freedoms and free markets. He doesn't belong to or financially contribute to any organizations but he does feel strongly about Musicians Against Racism, Mother's Against Drunk Driving, Oxfam and the ONE campaign to make poverty history along with several others!
BIGGEST BEEF: The apparent lack of free thinking displayed citizens of the Planet Earth and the overwhelming lack of political leadership, seemingly everywhere.
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Sherry Keeping
Business Manager
Sherry is very passionate to learn about cultures from all over the world. Sherry has had the opportunity to do some traveling domestically and seeing the world is now high on her list!
BIGGEST BEEF: ...incomplete and un-organized paperwork from hostel managers!!!! :P |
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Aleksandra Leszko
Accounting Assistant
Aleksandra loves ballroom dancing, movies and loves to travel. She still has the dream to travel to Brazil one day! Aleks is involved with the Canadian Cancer Society and is also a supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. BIGGEST BEEF: The apathetic attitude displayed by many people around the world. |
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Tim Charter
Vancouver British Columbia (BC) Accommodations Hostel Manager
Loves hockey, snowboarding, rock concerts.... Vancouver has the best in bands and venues. I would love to see more young people traveling the world.
BIGGEST BEEF: Get schooled in the art of life not in a class room. Live, love and be free. |
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Jerel Ertman
Kelowna British Columbia (BC) Accommodation Hostel Manager
Jerel supports the Heart and Stroke foundation, Cancer Society, Canadian Veterans Cenotaph fund and the Millet Kripplers hockey organization.
BIGGEST BEEF: Society is turning into a plethora of economically challenged people that have a phobia of work and that technology is taking over the labor jobs from hard working people and soon there will be no work for the masses. |
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Alasdair Butcher
Banff Rocky Mountains Alberta Accommodations Hostel Manager
Ali is a huge fan of the Canucks...even though the dogged the '08 playoffs.
BIGGEST BEEF: That Riaz does truly know everything! |
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Dan Hindle
Silver Star British Columbia (BC) Accommodations Hostel Manager
Dan is a supporter of Alzheimer Society of Canada, BC Lake Stewardship Society and Canadian Red Cross. He is also a volunteer for Canadian Ski Patrol System and Silver Star Fire Department.
BIGGEST BEEF: Governments, corporations and individuals who won’t commit to keeping our environment clean for a green future! |
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Twyla Unland
Revelstoke British Columbia (BC) Accommodation Hostel Manager
Twyla is an avid supporter of the SPCA, a member of the World Wildlife Federation and volunteers by teaching art classes at her daughters school.
BIGGEST BEEF: The flora and fauna that makes the four corners of the globe so diverse and unique are being compromised and destroyed in the name of progress and development. |
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