Joe Roberts brought The Push for Change to Abbotsford on Monday afternoon to raise awareness about and funds for at-risk kids in Canada.
Roberts, a former homeless kid and addict who is now a successful author, trainer and motivational speaker, has been pushing a modified shopping cart from Calgary since July 1. He ends his 1,000-kilometre trip this Saturday at the Salvation Army’s Harbour Light Shelter in Vancouver.
Roberts stopped in Abbotsford at the Salvation Army’s Cascade Community Church on DeLair Road, and heads to the Gateway of Hope in Langley on Tuesday.
He was in Mission on Friday.
In Abbotsford, a large crowd of supporters greeted Roberts as he shared his story.
Roberts, 45, has said the shopping cart is “a symbol of hope and courage for the young people who are often left out in our society, in our communities, and in our school system.”
He said he took inspiration from Terry Fox and Rick Hansen, but knew he had to do something different.
“Nobody has pushed a shopping cart before. What symbolizes homelessness better than a shopping cart?”
This year’s trek is a trial run for a more ambitious journey that Roberts hopes to make next year, when he plans to travel 8,000 kilometres from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Vancouver.
Roberts thanked his many sponsors, including Abbotsford's Fraserway RV. The local company supported his efforts by lending out an RV as a support vehicle for his trek.
All donations go to the One Goal Foundation to support prevention and recovery programs for at-risk and street youth. For information or to make a donation, visit thepushforchange.com.