A Nanaimo News Bulletin newspaper carrier will hang up her ornate cart at the end of the month.
Sandy Brimacombe says she began delivering the News Bulletin approximately 19 years ago, but will retire Dec. 28 due to hip issues.
“I was just looking for a part-time job because I had health issues where I couldn’t work full time and I wanted to just get something, a couple days of the week and at first, that was it and then I got so that I was loving my customers and I needed more and I started out with 40 papers and then at one time I went up to almost 300 and then my kids said … you have to slow down,” said Brimacombe.
She gave up two routes recently and said it will be hard to give up the other three, situated in the Millstone Avenue, St. Andrews Street and Cadogan Street areas.
“What am I going to miss the most? The people and all their animals,” said Brimacombe. “I carry kitty treats and dog treats and all of their animals get treats every time I see them and for Christmas time, I wrap up the doggie treats with a little ribbon and put about six kitty treats in a little bag, put a little ribbon around that and give that to each one of the pets.”
Brimacombe is also known for her cart, which is covered in little teddy bears, something that began around 2003.
“I had a couple of people give me little, tiny teddy bears, like a Beanie Baby, and I’m not sure how many are on it. They’re not all Beanie Babies, but it goes around three sides … it’s just filled with teddy bears from top to bottom. Wherever somebody gives me one, I find a place to put it,” said Brimacombe.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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