Local Women Transform Communities Through Global Scavenger Hunts

Since 2014, two Greely women, Fiona Bremner  and her daughter Alex Everitt, along with their Ottawa teammate, Jenny Mehan, have been making waves both locally and internationally through their participation in the GISHWHES, GISH, and now Rogue Hunt scavenger hunts. These events, known for their quirky and creative challenges, have not only brought joy and excitement to participants but have also fostered significant positive change in communities around the world.

Their journey began in 2014 with GISHWHES (Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen), an annual event that encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones and engage in whimsical, often altruistic tasks. Competitors form teams with others across the world.  Over the years, the event evolved into GISH (Greatest International Scavenger Hunt) and most recently, Rogue Hunt. Throughout these transformations, the core mission remained the same: to inspire creativity, confidence, teamwork, and empathy.

The trio’s participation has led to numerous local and international initiatives. From organizing food drives and community clean-ups in Ottawa to contributing to global causes such as building schools in developing countries and supporting refugee families, they have demonstrated the far-reaching impact of these scavenger hunts. Their efforts have not only provided immediate relief and support but have also inspired others to take action in their own communities.

One of the most remarkable aspects of these scavenger hunts is their ability to foster creativity and confidence among participants. Fiona, Alex, Jenny and their teammates have tackled challenges that range from creating art installations out of recycled materials to performing random acts of kindness for strangers. These tasks have pushed them to think outside the box and embrace their creative instincts, leading to personal growth and a stronger sense of self-assurance. For example, some tasks this year include various fundraisers, bringing donuts to random workers, making a Kevin Bacon portrait out of bacon and getting an article published about you including two words from the 2023 Words of the Year list (e.g., coronation or dystopian).

Teamwork and empathy are at the heart of these scavenger hunts. Fiona, Alex and Jenny have collaborated with friends, family, and even (especially!) strangers to complete tasks, forging strong bonds and learning the value of cooperation. Their experiences have taught them to appreciate diverse perspectives and to work together towards common goals. This spirit of collaboration has extended beyond the hunts, influencing their daily lives and interactions with others.

As they continue their journey with Rogue Hunt, their legacy of good continues to grow. They have become role models in their community, showing that even the smallest actions can make a significant difference. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity, confidence, teamwork, and empathy in transforming lives and communities.

In a world that often feels divided, their participation in these scavenger hunts serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to create positive change. This years team (Team Slackers) is also made up of Tripper from BC, Victoria from the US, and India from Germany. Through their dedication and passion, they have shown that when we come together with a shared purpose, we can achieve extraordinary things.

Featured Image: Alex Everitt and her mother, Fiona Bremner, along with their Ottawa teammate, Jenny Mehan, are participating in the Rogue Hunt scavenger hunts.