Spreading the news
International Newspaper Carrier Day will celebrate people like Charlottetown’s Ritchie Doucette
“He’s a very personable kind of guy, very dependable; dedicated without a question. He’d be somebody that I know that I can depend on.’’ Trish Thompson
Ritchie Doucette of Charlottetown dreams of going to Los Angeles someday.
And, he’s saving every penny he makes as a newspaper carrier for The Guardian to make sure that happens sooner rather than later.
“I’d love to go on a trip someday (and) I’d like to go to Los Angeles,’’ said Doucette who grew up in Tignish.
The Guardian is highlighting Doucette’s story in celebration of International Newspaper Carrier Day, which is today. The purpose of the event is to recognize the contributions that newspapers, staff and carriers make to gather and deliver news to their communities.
Doucette will celebrate two years on the job as of Nov. 25, a job that has become more of a passion.
“It’s something to do in the morning. I like my walks in the morning. It involves a lot of walking, and I like it.’’
Doucette is responsible for delivering the newspaper to about 58 customers in the Victoria Park area.
He certainly doesn’t mind the hours. In fact, he revels in them. He’s up in the early morning, six days a week, to make sure he doesn’t miss the driver dropping off his stack of papers. He sets off on his route shortly after.
“Sometimes the papers come early and sometimes they’re late. I make sure I get the paper out so I don’t get any phone calls,’’ he laughs.
Occasionally, he meets his customers at the door waiting for the paper.
“They say I’m doing a good job. I’ll get cards sometimes saying I’m doing a good job (that say), ‘Keep up the good work’.’’
Trish Thompson, assistant circulation/distribution manager for The Guardian, said she can’t say enough good things about Doucette.
“He’s a very personable kind of guy, very dependable; dedicated without a question,’’ Thompson said. He’d be somebody that I know that I can depend on.’’
The Guardian has about 100 people, between carriers and drivers, delivering its product Monday to Saturday.