On April 5th I completed my 7,032 km virtual trip biking, running and skiing across Canada for cancer research. If you’re wondering what a virtual trip is, I logged all of the miles in and around Edmonton, and during the Winter switched to an indoor trainer when I couldn’t ride outside. I measured a relatively straight route through Canada stretching from St. John’s, Halifax to Victoria, BC and subtracted any water crossings.

On April 12th, 2020 I committed to riding the distance across Canada and to raising $10,000 in under a year. 51 weeks later I was done.

It was difficult. I launched this “Give’r Project” once it became clear that the global pandemic was going to wash away dozens of impactful fundraising events that support my beloved Alberta Cancer Foundation.

All told, 99 donors contributed $10,450…enough to pay for a seat in a clinical trial at the Cross Cancer Institute. The experience was extremely gratifying. I reinforced for myself that audacious, worthwhile things can be achieved with the application of consistent energy and passion. I was reminded of how generous people are for this cause, and how many of us cancer has changed.

My one regret was that a great deal of energy went into designing the platform to enable and encourage others to craft their own Give’r Project and get fundraising on their own. Unfortunately we didn’t get much traction there (yet).

What should we do next?