Will of iron
On the right, Andrew Billing, Cloverdale Paramedic Chief, presented a unique personalized carved trophy to Will Rogers, left, on Wednesday afternoon in Cloverdale. Rogers, a 22-year veteran paramedic, established The Million Dollar Journey fundraiser to support SAS, Servants Anonymous Society. William Yueng crafted the trophy depicting scenes from Rogers’ grueling Victoria to Penticton personal triathalon. INSET: Rogers, joined by Mary Pichette (SAS Executive Director), Rogers’ 15-year-old son Aaaron Andrada, Charlene Reimer (SAS Fund Development and PR) and SAS president, Rita de Raadt held a Million Dollar Journey BBQ at Cloverdale Ambulance Station on Wednesday.
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: August 28, 2009 4:49 PM
By: Ursula Maxwell-Lewis
Few roads are tougher to travel than that of women and girls struggling to exit the sex trade. Acutely aware of their need for support, 22-year veteran and Ironman athlete Will Rogers has been, and still is, on a mission to raise cash and awareness to support their struggle.
On Wednesday afternoon friends, family, and fellow paramedics celebrated the finale of his grueling Island to Okanagan fundraiser under the banner of The Million Dollar Journey. All funds raised from the annual one-man marathon go to SAS, Servants Anonymous Society, in Surrey.
SAS supports women and victimized youth aiming to break the bonds of prostitution. Based on a supportive step-by step philosophy offering safe homes, schooling and essential household instruction, the Society is designed to help re-build destroyed self-esteem while offering practical life-skills. Rogers knows finance, and support, are the keys to achieving these goals.
Bolstered by promises of pledges, Rogers ran, biked, and swam more than 960 kilometres during July and August. Putting 20 miles a day behind him, he kept a $10,000 goal for SAS in front of him. With pledges still rolling in, his goal remains illusive, but he is acutely aware that every penny counts. His iron resolve remains unwavering.
“The weather was near perfect for the marathon,” said Rogers. “The Hope Slide was the toughest part, and we had a tailwind into Penticton where the ambulance we had with us was confiscated.” He went on to clarify that additional equipment was required due to the Westbank fire threat.
Rogers has competed in Ironman Canada 20 times. In 1989, he competed in the World Championship Ironman in Hawaii. Rogers started doing triathlons in 1986, and completed his first Ironman in 1987. Personally and professionally he thrives on challenges. At age 50, and despite hip operation last year, he has no intention of slowing down.
To donate to the Million Dollar Journey and help give exploited youth a new lease on life go to www.sasurrey.ca, phone 604-590-2304 or make one at any Bank of Montreal branch (account #8097584) or by mailing a cheque to SAS, #201-7400 132 St., Surrey, B.C. V3W 4M7. Tax receipts will be issued and all donations of $30 or more will be entered into a prize draw.
editor@cloverdalereporter.com
v2
