Alex Rauket is a Shriner with the Bruce Shrine Club, an amateur cyclist and he has been taking part in the Kilometers for Kids ride. Over the course of 8 days, Alex cycled more than 800 km from Port Elgin to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Montreal. Along the way he was raising money to support the work that the Shriner’s Hospital does. “When I made the Kilometers for Kids proposal, I was hoping to raise $11,000, so far we have raised over $60,000.” said Alex.
On Monday, July 4th, Alex arrived in Cornwall on day 7 of his 8 day ride. Members of the SD&G Cornwall Shrine Club and Montreal Shrine Club greeted him as he arrived in the city.
The Shriner’s believe in fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. Their fundraising activities are dedicated in support of the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in Canada as well as the United States and Mexico.
Alex has participated in MS fundraisers in the past, cycling between Ottawa and Kemptville and has been doing long-distance cycling since he was young, riding with his father from Kincardine to Waterloo. Last year he completed a 200 km ride in one day and he consistently rides 75 km per week.
When asked what his motivation is for organizing this ride, Alex states “I’ve always been inspired by people that do crazy things to raise awareness and funds for good causes. As cycling is my activity of choice, I wanted to use it to bring some awareness to the Shriners and their good works with the hospitals. The Shriners work tirelessly to ensure that the kids get the help they need, and I thought that this could be my part. Also, I know that to keep the hospitals funded and the good works continuing, we need new members. This type of event, I hope, will be a great way to introduce a whole new generation to our chosen fraternal philanthropy.”
Alex also commented “Coming from Morrisburg into Cornwall … was the nicest afternoon so far, the weather and the scenery was spectacular.”” Maybe other Shriners my age will be inspired to do something like this.” And ” Everyone who works at the hospital is empowered to improve patient care, so my wife Jenn and I felt empowered to help the hospital and the shriners.” Were some other thoughts that Alex had.
” Great to show just what is possible, this journey raises the awareness of the hospital and helps families receive the care they need.” Were Alex parting words as Alex was leaving to rest up for his final leg of the ride.
Follow his journey here: https://www.facebook.com/events/286729073586007/?active_tab=discussion
