LOVE ON ICE – GREAT CANADIAN SLEEPOUT COCOONED COUPLE SPECIAL: Chantal + Mandel = <3

Saturday, February 8 marked the sixteenth night of Mandel Hitzer’s Great Canadian Sleepout. It was also the first night newlyweds Chantal Dick and Mandel Hitzer spent together in fifteen days. These beautiful lovers had been married just over a week when Mandel moved into his temporary home in a tent on the frozen Assiniboine River. Aptly, the community-minded chef’s 21 night saga wraps up tomorrow, landing Mandel back in his marriage bed for Valentine’s Day.

Chantal Dick and Mandel Hitzer dance at their wedding in Mexico January 13, 2014.

Thank you to MEC for loaning the extra cold climate sleeping bag. And thank you to Chantal for loaning the community your man, he’s certainly not the only one with a huge, giving heart!

MANDEL HITZER’S GREAT CANADIAN SLEEPOUT – NIGHT FOUR (THE MORNING AFTER)

Mandel reports on improved sleeping conditions, talks about community and tradition, and puts out an open call for art and collaboration at RAW:almond.

#GreatCanadianSleepout

MANDEL HITZER’S GREAT CANADIAN SLEEPOUT – NIGHT THREE (SPIRITUAL AWAKENING)

Mandel beds down for night three of twenty-one on the frozen confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in Winnipeg. He gives thanks for good people all around and reflects on the most challenging night for crew of RAW:almond 2014 so far. Our intrepid chef realizes his routine is changing. That his spirit is changing. He receives a powerful gift.

MANDEL HITZER’S GREAT CANADIAN SLEEPOUT – NIGHT TWO (Survival Begins)

Mandel misplaced his headlamp, so this entry a bit dark. He reflects on the second night of RAW:almond service and on his first night on ice. The spirited chef strategizes on keeping warm, describes adjustments to his system, and declares, “The cold’s not going to get to me, I’m going to find a way to make it work no matter what”. Watch to the end for its poetic finish.

Mandel Hitzer’s Great Canadian Sleepout – night one

Mandel reflects on the opening night of RAW:almond 2014 and prepares to spend his first night on the ice.