Jason Thorpe is cycling across the Maritimes to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. (Photo: Facebook)
Biking across the Maritimes is no easy feat. Just ask Jason Thorpe.
Thorpe is wrapping up his ride, where he has been raising money for the Ronald McDonald House in Halifax.
The Quispamsis local made a stop in Saint John on the weekend, and says it was good to be home.
“It’s been nice just to catch up with family and friends,” he said. “We had a barbecue at the Sobeys out here in KV, and we were able to raise $1,400 in three hours, which was absolutely fantastic, so it was great to see the community support.”
Thorpe will be taking the Digby Ferry, then biking the last leg back to Halifax next week, where he will deliver the funds to the House.
So far, he says he’s raised well over $10,000 dollars.
“We’re well over the $10,000 mark, so we’re creeping up there. We’re still far away from the initial goal which was very ambitious, but at this point, anything is great,” he said.
Thorpe says the Ronald McDonald House is close to his heart. He and his family spent many months there when he was younger.
Thorpe is a cancer survivor, and set out on his journey to help those who supported him.
“It’s truly a passion of mine to be involved and give back to those people that gave so much to me,” he said.
Thorpe says he was inspired by Becca Schofield, a Riverview teen who died from cancer, but spread a message of love and kindness around the world. He says Becca’s family was able to come down to Saint John on the weekend, and it was great to connect with them, as well as other members of the community.
When asked if he would do the ride again, he says it’s always an option.
“Never say never! Once this is done, we’ll put on the thinking cap and kind of go where we’re going to go next,” he said.
He explains his ride is part of a new initiative at the House: a community champion program.
“A couple of Maritimers throughout the area that are dedicated to the cause kind of go out into the community and take on an initiative,” he said.
He says the Ronald McDonald House has a project under wraps, and community fundraising plays a big role.
“They’re planning on doing something big here soon. These dollars are going to go a long, long, long way,” he said.
“There’s a reason why we’re doing this, that’s for sure.”
