StettlerLocal.com June 7, 2021 @ 10:20am
Scott Douglas was injured in a snowmobiling accident in 2004 and says his life, since then, has been notably different. He is now more sympathetic to what others may be going through, and has a better understanding of people and their problems. His positive attitude about life was something he always had, but thanks to support from Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (SCIA), he is becoming a more confident person.
On June 5th, Douglas embarked on a cycling trip from Stettler to Red Deer to help raise funds for SCIA's programs and services. Most of the crew rode pedal bikes, but a friend from Saskatchewan rode a handbike similar to his.
Scott’s parents followed the group of cyclists in the ‘support truck’ carrying air compressors, spare parts, foods and fluids to help the group get to their destination.
Douglas said that despite the group of bikers being rained on for nearly four hours of the five hour trip, he regards it as the best ride of his life. People honked and waved and several people even pulled over to talk about the trip, and take photos of the group. Douglas proudly remarks that they were able to take approximately $150 in donations along the side of the road from people stopping to cheer them on. At one point a friend from town, met them near the halfway mark with Tim Horton’s coffee, which was a welcome warmup for the rain-soaked group.
Douglas mentioned he was initially a little worried about the narrow shoulders along the highway they travelled, however he is happy to report that practically all passing motorists slowed down and gave the group a wide berth. Several large trucks were even noted as slowing down upon approach to reduce the inevitable splash of water.
The trip ended at the South Red Deer Walmart, where a small group of friends met the tired cyclists and had a quick dinner. Douglas says he went to bed early that night, and later Sunday night could still feel the trip in his arms.
Douglas wants to thank his friends and family for all their support, and helping to keep each other motivated on the long, strenuous journey. He is also incredibly grateful for community's support. In the end, Scott’s goal of $2,500 was not only surpassed, but just $50 short of $5,000.
“Around here I don’t really have to say much, and people do huge fundraising.” - Scott Douglas on the support of the Stettler and area community.
Although Douglas' focus was to raise funds for Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, he was happy to note that SCIA did reach out to him and would like to discuss having him become a client ambassador for their organization.
“They have done so much for me.” - Scott Douglas on SCIA
Douglas has a gofundme link: https://ca.gofundme.com/f/23mi4m0wc0
He has a Facebook page ‘Trip From Stettler To Red Deer on My Handcycle” where he talks about his excursion and also a gofundme link: https://ca.gofundme.com/f/23mi4m0wc0
Congratulations to Scott Douglas on reaching his goals and inspiring us all.
Carson Ellis, Reporter
Photos provided by Scott Douglas.
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