Randy Layetzke: Bringing the Paper to the People
Randy Layetzke has been volunteering his time to help with the distribution of Boyle McCauley News for over three years. This is one of the most important – and hard to fill – volunteer roles we have, requiring a great deal of physical work and driving.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Randy’s early childhood was spent in the Norwood area before his parents relocated to the west end. However, he has always spent a lot of time in the Little Italy area, shopping with his family every Saturday at the Italian Centre and Italian Bakery, as well as attending family get-togethers and picnics at Giovanni Caboto Park.
A long-term friend of Editor Paula, he became involved with BMC News when she expressed a need for help with the distribution of the paper. “I enjoy giving back to a community and contributing to it, even if it is a different community from where I live,” says Randy of why he likes to volunteer at the paper.
In addition to distribution, Randy also helps out with odd jobs and maintenance around the office, especially where heavy lifting is involved. A computer programmer by trade, he developed a database program for the printing of labels for the block carriers’ delivery bags that also doubles as a route management system.
Although he does not live in the area, Randy enjoys spending time in the Boyle Street and McCauley neighbourhoods, attending events, visiting restaurants, and of course, delivering the paper to our volunteer block carriers. “The people here are so friendly,” he says. “Everyone says hello and that is a major reason why I like coming here.”
Randy is a life-long sports enthusiast who is no stranger to the world of non-profit organizations. During the winter, he manages the skating rink for the Meadowlark Community League. In the spring and summer he works with Ball Hockey Edmonton, doing everything from the organization’s computer work, to time-keeping and facility supervision. He has been with both organizations for 25 years. The Meadowlark Community League recently donated a large amount of hockey equipment to the McCauley Rink, and Randy was happy to deliver it.
In his spare time, Randy enjoys playing computer games, visiting Fort Edmonton Park, and taking walks in off-leash parks with his dog Skooter. Thank you Randy, for your invaluable help!