Years ago I developed the Traveling Environment Show highlighting the extensive environmental improvements that had taken place at Elk Falls. The giveaway materials evolved into several forms and culminated in a seven-foot mascot known as “Doug the Bug.”
Doug the Bug would make appearances at schools, malls, the odd trade show, and he was always featured at the annual Children’s Festival held every July first. A lot has happened over the last decade. I retired, Doug retired, the Environment Show has faded from people’s memory, and Elk Falls – as an operating pulp and paper mill – is no more.
The last time I saw Doug was summer 2012, and he was hanging out in the mill’s front office basement.
Fast-forward another year. My wife and I are involved in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a BC Cancer Agency fundraising activity involving 3,000 people riding bicycles from the Lower Mainland to Seattle in June. We are independently fundraising to meet our goal of $2,500 in support of Ovarian Cancer Research.
As a fundraising activity we are selling cookies for a donation. Always looking to attract attention, I thought, why not let Doug the Bug make an appearance?
He could wander Campbell River’s downtown streets again, just like old times! But now, Doug will be selling cookies to conquer cancer while charming young and old!
Tuesday I went off in search of my old friend, Doug, however, he was not to be found!
Somehow Doug has left the building! Whereabouts unknown!
One would think a seven-foot tall, hardhat wearing, orange mascot with blue legs and huge blue feet would be kind of conspicuous. He certainly stands out in a crowd.
Perhaps if any readers have seen Doug could they please let me know. I’d really like to get back in touch, and ask him to help my wife and me raise a little money downtown, selling cookies to conquer cancer.
Chuck Easton, Elk Falls Environment Manager (retired)
