A few good people doing good work-CAUSE Canada
Last October The Old Guys in Action completed another physically challenging feat and learned yet another set of important life lessons. You can teach old dogs new tricks. This old dog learned a few in Guatemala, that`s for sure
6 days on our bikes; 300+ km; 30,000 ft. elevation loss and gain; rain and cold at 12,000 ft. to steamy hot at ocean level; sometimes technical, other times just straight up difficult (one stretch 20 km up at 50-60 degree climb). Would the “old guys” do it again? Yes we would-in an eye blink-or CAUSE Canada and the important work they do in Guatemala and other countries around the world. Here are some of my final thoughts.
First, as the ‘old guys’ often say, you can’t just sit there when there are many different ways to learn, engage, network and make a few dollars for a good cause like maternal and child healthcare, and support good organisations like CAUSE Canada. Over the past quarter of a century, CAUSE Canada has addressed problems, answered questions and addressed issues regarding assisting this under-assisted area of the world, through micro-credit enterprises, literacy programs and child and maternal health care and other programs. What a privilege to endure a few saddle sores and aching muscles to support them in their important work.
Over the 6 days of riding and 4 days of travel we visited CAUSE Canada projects, including some of the micro-credit sites where women are leading the way in managing business ventures in their villages. We met some of the local people who have kept CAUSE Canada’s projects going strong. The serendipity was at work too. Once we chanced upon a rural school and joined in an outdoor P. E. class and a basketball game. Much to the delight of the students we joined in. We should have stayed on our bikes. Fun as it was the students were underwhelmed with our skills. At first, I thought that they were laughing with us not at us. I was wrong.
As of October 7th it appears that our donors will have supported us and CAUSE Canada’s maternal and child healthcare program at $30,000. This amount will be matched by the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development at $6.5 for every $1.00 CAUSE Canada raises. So, at this point in time, thanks to you and all our ‘Old Guy in Action’ supporters we will have raised $225,000.00 for moms and children.
What else have I learned?
- A few good people doing a few good things can make a big difference in people’s lives. Thank you CAUSE Canada
- People want the same things, the world over. Families, food on the table, fun…
- Thoreau was right-the irony of the human race is the more complex the problem the more we humans settle for simple solutions. Just putting medicine into a village without a system for carefully administering it…compulsory education without putting good and well developed teachers in their midst….and I could on…won`t work.
- Pain is inevitable; suffering optional. Yes it hurt but what a ride
The Old Guys want to thank Pablo and Bev Carrick for their support.