70-year-old veteran cycling across Canada in support of the Children's Wish Foundation

EDMONTON, June 6, 2014 /CNW/ - On May 1, 2014, departing from Port Hardy, British Columbia, Art Brochu began his 9,285 kilometer cycling journey in support of the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. Art, a retired veteran now living in Edmonton, AB set the ambitious goal for himself to coincide with his 70^th birthday after hearing about Children's Wish at a golf tournament benefiting the Foundation.

Art, who served with the Canadian Armed Forces for over 25 years, was based in numerous areas where there was a great deal of suffering, especially by children. To this day, these memories haunt him and he recalls the constant feeling of helplessness as he witnessed this suffering. Since retiring from the army, Art has remained active as a volunteer supporting soldiers who have been released from service due to injury, but he was still looking for other ways to give back to the community. After meeting just a few of the children whose lives had been touched by the magic of a wish, Art knew what he wanted to do; make even more wishes come true for children, and their families, coping with a life threatening illness.

In November 2012, Art began his intense training regime with his trainer, none other than Lori-Ann Muenzer; Canada's first ever Olympic Gold medalist in cycling from the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Despite Edmonton's chilly climate, this winter, Art continued to train hard in his garage to prepare for his 76 days of cycling. Art will cycle roughly 122 kilometers per ride day and will be stopping in over 50 communities across Canada. At several stops across the country, Art will also be hosting seminars that promote health and wellness, with all admission fees donated to Children's Wish.

Art's nearly four month coast to coast journey wraps up August 15, 2014, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. His goal is to raise $100,000 in support of Children's Wish; enough to grant 10 wishes, or a wish per province, to children diagnosed with a life threatening illness.

To follow Art's ride, visit www.childrens-wish.ca/artcyclesforwishes

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of 3 - 17 are diagnosed with a life threatening illness.  Since 1984, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to over 20,000 children and their families.

This year, the Foundation expects to grant over 1,000 new wishes and is proud to have never refused a wish to an eligible child, and with the help of volunteers and generous donors, is able to grant nearly three wishes every day.  Each wish is an individual adventure, carefully structured to meet the needs of a particular child and family. The Foundation is a national charity with chapters in every province and territory. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information.

Attention editors - Art will be cycling through Ontario from June 11 - July 2, with stops in Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, White River, Sault St. Marie, Blind River, Sudbury, North Bay, Pembroke, Ottawa and Hawkesbury.

Image with caption: "Art Brochu cycles across Canada in support of The Children's Wish Foundation (CNW Group/The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140606_C8981_PHOTO_EN_41178.jpg

SOURCE: The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

For further information:

For further details of Art's itinerary and to arrange a telephone or in-person interview, please contact:

Ian Lindsay
Development Coordinator
The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, Alberta & NWT Chapter
Office: [phone] x 3
Email: [email protected]