Trent University alumnus Vin Heney is cycling 8,000 km across the country this summer in an effort to promote environmental sustainability and raise $80,000 to support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

Joined by his friend Greg Mallioux who suffers from Crohn’s disease, Mr. Heney left Victoria, BC on June 13 and expects to arrive in St. John’s, NL sometime in September. Their journey is entitled Powered by Community and involves stops in several communities along the way to participate in fundraising events and build awareness about these life-changing diseases that affect more than 200,000 Canadians.

“We will be stressing the importance of diet and prevention, and not just focusing on the need for a cure,” explained Mr. Heney, who studied International Development Studies while attending Trent from 2003 to 2007. “Other countries have much lower rates of Crohn’s and colitis, so there is a suspicion that it may be linked to the consumption of refined sugars and gluten.”

Canada has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s and colitis in the world, yet many Canadians are still unaware the causes and effects of these debilitating diseases. Along with spreading the word about the prevalence of these diseases, by the very nature of biking across Canada, Mr. Heney and Mr. Mailloux will be promoting physical activity and sound ecological practices, factors proven to play a vital role in preventing disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Although he does not consider himself a cyclist and has never toured before, Mr. Heney always wanted to cycle across the country and remains undaunted by the challenge. “Other people do this trip and succeed, that gives me hope,” said Mr. Heney. Currently, the Powered by Community cyclists have just entered Ontario and have raised more than $24,000 to date.

As a proud sponsor of Powered by Community, Alumni Affairs at Trent University will be hosting a charity BBQ in honour of Mr. Heney and Mr. Mailloux on August 12 when they arrive in Peterborough. All proceeds will support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Fellow Trent alumni and members of the local community are invited to attend.

For additional details about Powered by Community, please visit their website.