At the age of 77, Our House West Coast Society founder and principal director, Norm Sharkey, ODNW is about to embark on a remarkable journey that he has titled “Wheels 4 Freedom”. Beginning May 1st, Norm plans to rollerblade 50 kilometres daily around the Stanley Park Seawall, Monday- Friday until he reaches a total aggregate distance of 5350 km, the distance from Camblleton, NB to Vancouver BC.
The desired outcome for this exercise is to raise awareness about addiction and source enough revenue through gifts and pledges to purchase a house. Norm ( a recovering addict himself who has been sober for 42 years) and the Board of Directors would prefer to find a property within the city limits of Vancouver that will become the new “Our House” addiction recovery residence. Currently “Our House” is located in a rental property home in Surrey.
The Parish of St. Paul’s in the west end of Vancouver is Norm’s parish and the parish has rallied around the Our House initiative and has made it a key part of their shared ministry.As of May 1st, participants in the Our House addiction recovery program and members of the Board will be present near the intersection of Davie and Denman dressed in white t-shirts with red lettering, talking about the event, handing out brochures, soliciting donations and highlighting the benefits of the Our House program 2-3 days a week during Norm’s sojourn.
There are multiple ways for people to donate. An on-line site is ready to receive donations and you can connect to it through the Our House West Coast Society Facebook page (LIKE the page too).
Donations are also welcomed by mail to:Our House West Coast Society
1130 Jervis St.
Vancouver, BC, V6E 2C7
Tax receipts for donations greater than 20 dollars will be sent out, so please don’t forget to include your address when sending in a cheque by mail.
Norm’s goal is to finish the trip by mid-October of this year. Diocesan Communications will keep everyone in the diocese apprised of his progress. Godspeed Norm!
Images: Top, Norm is training for the big trip. Right, a few laps around the sanctuary before Sunday worship. Below, Norm is supported by the Parish of St. Paul's.