I never highlight donors in my blog posts. Every dollar donated is as selfless and generous as the next.
But then I encountered Brian Lafleur who, along with his Popeye pals (the health supplement franchise), dug deep into their pockets for Boundless Indigenous youth.
It’s the way he raised the funds – his tenacity and sheer audacity – that demand recognition.
His mission was to ride his road bike from Ottawa to Quebec City in one measly day. Alone. With only his wife Julia looking at his padded butt for hundreds of solitary kilometres. No drafting while sheltered from the headwinds in a pack of shaved-legged bikers. That would be too easy. Just a man, naked pavement and a vision to help others.
He kept a live feed to his bike computer for the duration. At one point he stopped for all of 11 minutes to recharge. And he felt guilty for it! His laser beam focus would not be deterred. Brian knew people would donate on a per kilometre basis. He just kept pumping his pedals.
Brian, you have done your Popeye people proud. I suppose you live the brand.
I remember asking Brian early on in this escapade, a guy I never knew existed before he swooped into our lives, “Just who the heck is Brian Lafleur that you would do this for Boundless kids.”
Summoning his Wayne Gretzky aw shucks sound bite, he replied, simply, “I just like the idea of supporting mental health and education.”
And that’s that. His ticket to suffering for others. Quite biblical if you think about it.
To Brian and all the Popeye people, thanks for this extraordinary support we shall never forget.
Steven
