EDMONTON – While many retirees plan to spend their golden years relaxing, that’s not the case for Art Brochu. The 70-year-old military veteran will be spending his summer cycling across Canada, in hopes of granting children’s wishes along the way.
Brochu served in the Canadian Forces for over 25 years. While deployed, he saw many children going through a great deal of suffering – something he says still haunts him.
“We didn’t have the mandate or resources to do anything for them, that wasn’t what we were there for, it was somebody else’s job. But it still worked on your mind,” he explained.
“I always wanted to do something for kids.”
Wanting to celebrate his 70th birthday with a bang, Brochu decided a cross-country ride for the Children’s Wish Foundation would be fitting. The idea came to him in 2011, while playing in a foundation golf tournament.
“I met some of the kids and they found a place in my heart.”
Brochu has spent the past two and a half years training with Olympic cycling gold medallist Lori-Ann Muenzer, preparing for the 9,285 kilometre journey.
“Last September, my business partner’s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. So there wasn’t any problem this winter to keep motivated.”
Brochu’s goal is to raise $10,000 in each province, in hopes of granting wishes for 10 children – one in each province.
“It is quite lofty, but leading up to his ride there’s been quite a rally of support around him, so we’re hopeful that he can make his goal,” said Elizabeth Lopresti, associate director of the Alberta and North West Territories chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Lopresti says volunteers like Brochu are imperative for the foundation to be able to do the work it does.
“We rely on our own fundraisers and support from the community, so having someone like Art take on a challenge like this is huge for us.”
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Along his journey, Brochu will hold seminars promoting health and wellness in more than 50 communities across Canada.
And Brochu says he’s ready to go. He will depart from Port Hardy, B.C. on May 1, riding an average of 122 kilometres per day. He is scheduled to arrive in St. John’s, Newfoundland on August 15.
“I’ve never done something like this before,” he said. “The motivation is there and what we’re doing is something great for Children’s Wish and I just don’t see, unless maybe weather… I don’t really see a downside or a hard part.”
For more information on Brochu’s journey, or to donate to his mission, visit the Children’s Wish Foundation’s website.
With files from Quinn Phillips, Global Sports.
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