In May, Kevin Mills set off on a journey few could even fathom as he started biking across the country.
The mission was to raise awareness of the importance of recreational activity in the disabled community and to identify an accessible biking route across Canada that can be used by anyone of any ability through his non-profit Pedaling Possibilities.
Mills, who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2009, has hand cycled 40 per cent of the way across the country thus far, and on Wednesday made a pit stop in his hometown of Newmarket.
In front of a crowd of well over 100 at the Riverwalk Commons, the community came out to show their support for Mills and his mission.
“I just want to say this support from the community, family, and friends is absolutely amazing,” he said. “The support across our trip is what’s allowing this to happen. Canadians are amazing and we’ve had so many kind people helping along the way.”
With a trek that began in Newfoundland and will end in Tofino, British Columbia, the over 7,000 kilometres ride will not be the end of Pedaling Possibilities, Mills said.
“It isn’t going to end in Tofino,” he said. “The ride is creating a discussion and people can see me out there biking and know what needs to be changed (for route accessibility) and hopefully people see that anyone can get active outdoors too. This will continue after the trip.”
A former paramedic himself, the crowd was full of emergency service workers out to support Mills. Leo Tsang, deputy chief of Toronto Paramedic Services, said Mills and his wife Heather Cairns-Mills have always put helping others first through Walk It Off, their spinal cord recovery and wellness centre.
“It wasn’t about them, it was about how they could help others (after Mills’ injury),” Tsang said. “Instead of Kevin thinking about himself, they started Walk It Off to really help others. I’ve known Kevin since he started (as a paramedic), and while his vehicle is different, the service continues.”
At the ceremony honouring Mills and his mission, Mayor John Taylor presented him with a $5,000 donation from the mayor’s golf tournament and the key to the city, which Taylor said has only been given out once before.
“We’re incredibly proud and incredibly impressed with what you’re doing,” said Taylor. “The magnitude of what you’re doing isn’t just the incredible physical aspect, but you’re providing an example to people with disabilities about everything you can do in life.”
Taylor also said that the way Mills represents the community of Newmarket with his ambition and the way he strives for inclusivity.
“Every time we talk about building something in this community, or in this country, make sure we think about how we make it accessible,” he said. “That’s the real goal, that’s what Kevin wants to accomplish and he’s doing it with this incredible ride. Kevin, you’re an absolute hometown hero.”
Earlier this month, while Mills was in Quebec, one of his hand cycles was stolen off of the back of the team’s RV. A specialized hand cycle can cost anywhere from $9,000 to $12,000 and be difficult to replace.
At the event for Mills, former Canadian wheelchair basketball team members Chantal Benoit and Reg McClellan presented him with a new hand cycle from their company 49 Bespoke Inc. The hand cycle was donated by community members.
“What you and your team are doing is remarkable,” said Benoit. “All of the team at 49 Bespoke are very very proud. You’re doing a great job of getting the message out to promote activity-based therapy, accessibility, and inclusivity in the community.”
After learning the news of Mills hand cycle being stolen, Ward 5 Councillor Bob Kwapis organized a GoFundMe to replace it, but after community donors stepped up to handle the cost, Kwapis opted to donate the $1,374.59 to Pedaling Possibilities
“Within two days of the GoFundMe, there was a call to action and the public stepped up. I was astonished,” said Kwapis. “You’re a hero and inspiration for so many of us.”
