Two days after I came to my first interview at Icebreaker (exactly 1 year ago), my father – Michael Stunden – was taken into hospital for an emergency heart by-pass. It came completely out of the blue as my father has always been very active. My folks live in France, I live in Canada. I made the decision to be with them for the duration, which turned out to be a five week haul. I thought I had lost the job at Icebreaker and was heart-broken, but resolved. However, thanks to the immense patience and trust of IB Canada, I was still able to come for a second interview on my return and happily started in post in September. It was the biggest emotional roller-coaster I have ever been on. Since coming to Icebreaker I have found my home, and not a day goes past when I don’t give thanks for the opportunity to be here.
But I’ll let my Dad tell it in his own words:
Dearest Gemma
Today has been a day of celebration for this week is the anniversary of my heart operation. I can only say how grateful we shall always be for your support, made possible by the patience shown by your employers. So, today is a “thank you” day literally from the bottom of my heart! I would also like to thank the Icebreaker company as a whole. I “moved into” Icebreaker layering very soon after my operation. The Superfine t-shirts were the only clothes I could bear wearing next to my chest. And for more than 300 of the last 365 days that has remained true: my nearest comfort has been one or other of my Icebreaker’s! It is so important, when one is in pain and when ones skin is so irritated and sensitive, that a vest should fit firmly and softly to the shape of the operation area, without friction, and also maintain a responsive temperature stability. I am grateful to have been introduced to the Icebreaker layers which at times stopped me from going crazy.
Gillian has also been inspired to become an Icebreaker wearer at 69 years old, again for their comfort and their capacity to control and steady her body temperature whatever is going on outside. She now runs a yoga class with her friends in Burgundy and Icebreaker makes a regular appearance. She is an inspiration!
If it had not been for your introduction, I would not have known of the Icebreaker products - nor would the growing population of people, like me, in their “third age”. When it comes to finding comfort and support as the foundation of ones clothes, I assure you that the active over-60′s are as demanding as any athlete. Icebreaker not only met my physical needs but did wonders for my morale: they are so sexy, making the wearer feel so good psychologically as well!
- Gemma Stunden, Icebreaker Canada Demand Planner
