February 4, 2008 (Gatineau, QC) – The Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM), a 160km, two-day tour taking place February 9-10 is seeking volunteers for this year’s event partially due to the war in Afghanistan. CSM Volunteer Coordinator, Gaetan Pelletier, indicates that some 500 volunteers are needed to make the event a success. As of this morning, there is still a shortfall of about 12 volunteers to man the ten checkpoints along the CSM route where food and beverages are served to skiers. They’re also needed with other tasks such as registering skiers at check-in/out.

In previous years, there has been a strong presence by the Canadian military at some checkpoints, but Pelletier explained that, “the Second Field Infantry from Montreal, the Regiment de Hull and the Ottawa Military Police are all absent this year.” The absences are partly due to Canada’s presence in Afghanistan which is stretching the military’s resources. At the same time, Ashbury College, an Ottawa school which traditionally provides volunteers, can’t find a teacher to accompany the student volunteers this year.

Pelletier denied rumours that the CSM may be forced to close certain checkpoints. “We can’t afford to close a checkpoint. We will redeploy volunteers from other locations if we have to.” But he added that it is, “getting harder year after year to recruit volunteers.” Interested parties should get in touch with Pelletier directly at (613)-297-2801 or mclpel@videotron.ca.

The CSM is the longest two-day cross-country ski tour in the world, running from Buckingham (Gatineau) to Lachute this year. The non-competitive event has been held annually since 1967 and saw 2,200 participants in 2007.