Biking the talk

What makes a Trek Champion?  The simplest way to answer this question is to tell you about Martin Buhr.  Some of you may know Martin as a past Executive Director of House of Friendship.  But he’s also a father, grandpa and someone who is very passionate about our community, especially children, poverty and affordable housing.  He also walks the talk, or more accurately, he bikes the talk.

The dynamic Trek duo of Martin Buhr, right, and John Neufeld

You see, Martin readily picked up where the Martin brothers, Eric and Martin, left off when they inspired the first Trek 4 Kids with their hike of the Bruce Trail in 2005.  Since then, each year, Martin has spear-headed efforts to send kids to camp, and has inspired us all with his passion, commitment and drive.   It was Martin who pioneered the Trek Champion model that has engaged so many enthusiastic participants in the past couple of years.

It all started when Martin had the idea of biking on behalf of his church (Stirling Mennonite); he figured not everyone would be able to go to Trek and given the numerous events and activities that churches are involved in, it might be easier for churches to support Trek if they could designate a Trekker and then support that Trekker through pledges from the congregation.  He thought by using this approach, he could raise enough pledges to send at least one child to camp.  And he was right, and then some.

This year, Martin and his promotional and fundraising sidekick, John Neufeld (the current Executive Director at House of Friendship) raised over $12,000 in pledges!!  Yup, that’s 24 kids living in low-income homes going to camp.  In addition, about 15 local churches have Trek Champions, and other people are getting into the act too – trekking on behalf of their family, workplace, etc., each pledging to raise enough funds to send at least one child to camp.

The Trek Champion Team from Steinmann Mennonite Church led by the Roth family

 

Team Blue Crew representing our friends at Waterloo Region Police Services

How does Martin raise so many pledges?  Well, it’s really quite simple.  He and John canvass their church, and this year, thanks to technology, they were able to ask a whole lot more friends via email.  Basically, Martin asks everyone he knows, and believe me, he’s really hard to say No to, and why would you want to?  You gotta love a guy who spends months helping plan Trek 4 Kids, canvassing for donations, and then bikes 23 km in the rain, finishing with a smile on his face.  Did I mention Martin is in his seventies?!

Trek Champion Martin Buhr crossing the finish line

 He’s even made Trek 4 Kids a family tradition, biking with his children and grandchildren, some of who know first hand how camp can be a great opportunity for kids.

 

Keeping it in the family - Team Buhr

 

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that Martin is already thinking about Trek 4 Kids 2012 next May.  No doubt, he and John will be back, and back in a big way.  So if you happen to run into Martin or hear from him next Spring, have your Trek pledge ready, or better yet, join him on the trails and become a Trek Champion yourself.

 

Thanks Martin, for biking the talk and leading the way.  Happy Trails!

 

 

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