Using pedal power for Ukrainian newcomers

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This article was published 15/08/2023 (979 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Crickets chirp and cars whiz by as Fred Enns pedals down the highway to raise money for humanitarian aid for Ukrainian newcomers in Manitoba.

After watching the news, the 80-year-old man decided to cycle 3,000 kilometres in 30 days, starting July 18, and is expected to finish at Folklorama’s Ukrainian Kyiv Pavilion on Wednesday evening.

“At my age, there’s a limited number of things that I can do, but I can ride a bike and I can go through many towns to create some awareness of what’s happening,” said Enns during a phone call Monday as he biked through Elm Creek, 50 kilometres west of Winnipeg.

He has cycled through more than 120 cities and towns across southern and eastern Manitoba, making frequent stops to stay hydrated, stretch his legs and educate people about the impacts of war along his tour.

Enns is one of nine children born to Ukrainian parents who farmed in a small village before immigrating to Canada during the 1920s when Joseph Stalin rose to power on the former Soviet Union.

He grew up on a farm in Domain and attended rural schools before finishing high school in Winnipeg. He was a teacher for 35 years and taught every grade level, including physical education.

Enns has participated in eight to 10 international bicycle tours, involving thousands of kilometres, in Canada, the United States and around the world.

He started training for this fundraising tour in April by cycling more than 3,000 kilometres to build up endurance and climatize himself to the hot weather in June and early July.

The hardest part of his journey has been pedalling through valleys and pushing through gusting winds or the occasional rainstorm, said Enns.

He’s been lucky to avoid the setback of a flat tire or injury. Construction has been the biggest hindrance.

“It’s not unusual to spend eight hours riding, but you don’t push yourself too hard because you only have so much energy, so you pace yourself,” he said.

Enns has cycled solo for most of his trip, but his son-in-law and son have taken turns accompanying him in a supply car that carries essential items such as a tent, small cooking stove, non-perishable and freeze-dried foods, extra clothes, cycling gear, water and first aid supplies.

“Having a supply car… has taken the stress and worry of the day away,” said Enns, who added he’s proud of the accomplishment and hopes people can donate.

Proceeds will be given to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Manitoba for food-handling programs and food banks, English language classes, new beds and mattresses, employment services and more, said congress president Joanne Lewandoski.

“It’s amazing what people can do to help others,” she said. “He gave us his time and his talent which is absolutely amazing.”

Nearly 25,000 Ukrainian newcomers have come to Manitoba, which is the highest per capita amount of any province, said Lewandoski.

To support the ride, contact fundraising@uccmanitoba.ca.

tessa.adamski@freepress.mb.ca