Pedalling to help the homeless

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This article was published 28/07/2023 (1118 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kerry LeBlanc is an operations manager, a father, a husband, and a cyclist who has seen first-hand the powerful and positive forces of community outreach.

Born in the 1960s in Winnipeg’s West End — the “ghetto” back then, LeBlanc called it, referring to pockets of intense poverty — with his father in the military, his mother worked at home raising Kerry and his three brothers.

“I believe what saved me was athletics. Being a multi-sport athlete meant I couldn’t get into trouble,” said LeBlanc, who attended Gordon Bell High School. “I had to go to practices, and get to bed early. That was the saving grace for me,” he said, crediting people in the community for saving him — through sport and other affirming means — from what he often contended with: the harsh realities of street life.

“As I look back at it now, I did those days with no food, with sleeping on the street. I understand what I fight for,” said LeBlanc, about the haunting uncertainty of that time.

LeBlanc never forgot the struggles of his early years and turned his own life experience towards mentoring and supporting others. Now a fierce advocate, doing what he can to help those on the streets of Winnipeg, LeBlanc combines his drive and his entrepreneurial spirit with his passions for helping people and cycling, and leads events to raise money for community organizations to combat homelessness.

On Aug. 26, a group of Winnipeg cyclists led by LeBlanc are gearing up for the third annual Bridge to Nowhere Bike Ride. The first two events raised in excess of $135,000. All net proceeds from this year’s event will be distributed by Hockey Helps the Homeless, and Brothers of the Fork, to their four local partner beneficiaries: Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY), Mama Bear Clan, Red Road Lodge and Bear Clan Patrol Inc.

The philanthropic cyclists and humanitarians will embark on a journey to put the brakes on homelessness in Winnipeg. Participating cyclists have the option of doing the 25-kilometre Family Ride or the 90-kilometre Bridge to Nowhere Ride.

David Christie considers himself fortunate to be one of the key members involved in the event to focus on the homeless community in Winnipeg.

“I was asked by the original founders, Kerry LeBlanc and Mike Couture, to assist with the fundraising efforts for sponsorship opportunities,” said Christie. “In our second year, with both corporate and individual support, we raised over $60,000. This year we are confident we will exceed our $100,000 target, due to the generosity of many, who like me, see the need to help the less fortunate.

“I first got involved with Kerry Leblanc’s Ride with Santa event. A number of cycling enthusiasts, in the cold of the winter, on our fat-tire bikes, hand out much-needed tuques, mitts, socks and candy canes to those on the streets. This led to an understanding of how small deeds can go a long way. Not only were the recipients very grateful, but it also is a positive feeling for those involved. This led to wanting to do more, and the Bridge to Nowhere event is the perfect summer activity to accompany our Ride with Santa at Christmas.”

LeBlanc hopes to continue to see growth with the event, demonstrating the community spirit of Winnipeg. There were 70 participants last year and the hopes are for 100 plus this year. The event is open to all, to volunteer, donate, or participate. Participants pay a registration fee and are expected to raise a minimum of $250.

“Look at the demand that is out there,” said LeBlanc. “We need to develop the youth to take on the challenge and move it forward. There’s obviously a need; our tax dollars aren’t reaching it. I want people to see people as people. We need to get past the point of putting labels on people and instead to see a human that has problems. If we can try and help people every day you will feel better about yourself and they will be better able to contribute to the betterment of the city. They’re just people, folks; let’s start with that. Community first. There is positive energy and outcomes when we help others.”

LeBlanc and members of his cycling group regularly take the time to assist those living on the street, raising funds from their group and providing hot and cold drinks in an effort to make the less fortunate feel a little better.

“When it’s 40 degrees outside in the summer, a case of water is three dollars. I’m gonna give water to people. The joy that’s received continues to grow. I’m a giver and not a taker. Winter is cold. I go to Tim Hortons, give coffee to people and try to make the day a little better for people on the street. Main Street— how can you not see the struggles of the people? How can we help? I have become the conduit for people to feel that they’re doing their part. I’m proud of that. I respect that. There are great organizations out in Winnipeg, so many little organizations out there. There’s other people who see and do whatever they can do. I see people giving all the time, giving buckets of things, giving soup. I think Winnipeggers are so loving and caring.”

Visit www.bridgetonowhere.ca or email kl106@icloud.com.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca