On Friday September 26th, 2014, about 11:30am Our House West Coast Society founder, principal director, and St. Paul’s Vancouver parishioner Norm Sharkey ODNW completed his remarkable cross-Canada journey of 5350 km the distance from Vancouver BC to Cambleton, NB. Beginning on April 28th, 2014, Norm travelled this distance by roller blading 50 km Monday through Friday around the Stanley Park Seawall.
There was a good crowd of supporters on this very rainy Friday to watch and celebrate as Norm completed the skate. Norm's story was covered by the Vancouver media as CBC TV News was present as were reporters from Vancouver's daily newspapers.As this rollerblading venture closes, Norm has collected over $5000 in pledges and donations on Gofundme.com and Canadahelps.org and over $5,000 more has been pledged by some St. Paul’s parishioners, a total of $10,000 cash.
In addition, Gerry Robert, former house resident, and graduate of the program donated $16,000 towards the purchase of a van for the house. The van is a 2010 Dodge mini-van that seats seven people.
Congratulations to Norm and Our House and also to the supportive parishioners of St. Paul's, Vancouver.Image: Norm's cheering section poses for a photo at the completion of Wheels4Freedom, Norm is wearing the skater helmet.