Author s statement
With the realities of climate change, inequality and the pandemic, one could be forgiven for choosing despair. But the world is no better off for that, so I choose to study hope, a discipline that requires practice. Here, treat yourself to a few minutes of joy in the next instalment of my series profiling amazing and yes, hopeful young people contending successfully with the climate justice crisis in Canada.
Brandon Sandmaier and Generate Energy
In 2014, you might have thought Brandon Sandmaier was at the top of his game. At 31, he had his journeyman heavy equipment technician ticket and was following in his dad’s footsteps working in the mobile crane industry in Alberta’s oilsands. He had a high income, a supportive wife and two great kids.
EDMONTON A “Lending Sled Shed” is now setup at the toboggan hill in Laurier Heights. Kristie Edwardsen, the sled shed creator and member of the Laurier community, spotted the communal shed idea online. “I saw a picture of a little free library sled shed down in the states,” she said. “I thought what an amazing idea. We’re kind of at that this place where we don’t have a lot of things to do.” The project started off as a way to give back, but developed into a bonding experience for Edwardsen and her father. “My dad built everything but the sign,” she said.