News & Events from Kitchener-Waterloo Movers

Day 7 of the "tour de force"

While stopped overnight in Cornwall, Joe spoke via telephone with Andrew Carter from Montreal’s CJAD radio station.

Hear the interview

Day 1 of the "tour de force"

A message from Joe Gagnon, on the road with “Tour de Force” to raise money for the children of fallen soldiers.

Hello Friends,

Well after 4 days and nearly 400 kms on my bike I must say it has been quite an experience thus far. Our ride has taken us along Lake Ontario and through many small communities. The views have been spectacular and the weather very cooperative. Other than the obvious physical challenge of getting up and exercising for 5 hours, what has made the tour such an awesome experience is the people I have met and my increased understanding of the military and the people behind the uniform they wear.

Day 2 of the "tour de force"

Along the way I have met up with numerous other cyclists. A few that stand out was this 75 year old man that has done 67,000kms on his bike and over 6000 so far this summer. He has literally pedaled all over the world. Although he looked a little on the wacky side, he was probably one of the happiest men I have ever met. I also met a couple of ladies from Iowa. They too have traveled all over the globe on their bikes. One was 69 and one was 73. I will never ever forget Norman Russell from Belleville. He is a 90 year old veteran from WW2 and is the picture of good living. He actually rode the first 20kms of our tour and joined us in a ball hockey game we had against the OHL’s Belleville Bulls. He was an absolute inspiration to us all and I had the privilege to chat with him numerous occasions over the couple days he was with us.

Day 4 of the "tour de force"

As I had mentioned earlier on, due to the cause we are cycling for, we have had the privilege of visiting military operations every evening on the tour. Our reception has been more than overwhelming and it has been a tremendous learning experience for all of us in the group. I must say going into the tour, I was uncertain that the ride would draw any real interest from the people we are supporting. I am pleased to say that my concerns were completely unfounded. At almost every stop we have been treated like royalty and the feeling amongst the soldiers I have spoke with has been anything but indifferent. I must say that although I don’t necessarily support the mission in the middle east, I have a much greater understanding and appreciation of the work that they are doing and support our troops 100%.

Day 5 of the "tour de force"

All in all it has been a wonderful and inspirational four days on the road. Once again, I would like to thank all of you who supported me, and made it possible for me to take this tour. I will be interviewed on the Andrew Carter show tomorrow (Wednesday morning ) at 8:50 and will be on the Team 990 (time to be confirmed).

P.S. Only 3 days left!!!

Thanks once again.

Joseph Gagnon

President, Westmount Moving & Warehousing

Make a donation or participate in the “Tour de force”

(More information about the “tour de force”)

Day 6 of the "tour de force"

On the road with the "tour de force"

On the road with the "tour de force"

On the road with the "tour de force"

Westmount Moving and Warehousing has partnered with Moores for the Great Canadian Suit Drive – from now until the end of September, 2010, donations of men’s suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts, and shoes can be made at any of the 117 Moores locations countrywide. This initiative aims to help disadvantaged job seekers entering or re-entering the workforce get a boost of self-confidence and make the best possible first impression, which can be crucial to getting the job. The donations will be going to 50 local organizations that support those in transition looking for work.

Moving is a great time to purge your closets and contribute to a worthy cause. To thank donors for their generosity, the company will reward them with 25 per cent off their next purchase at Moores.

A message from Joe Gagnon

Over the years I have helped organize or participate in a number of different charitable events. Recently, I was approached by a colleague to get involved in something that I felt was not only very unique but very important. We have all watched “The National” on CBC or “Coaches Corner” on Hockey Night in Canada where we all too often would see the pictures of young men and women who have lost their lives in the war in Afghanistan. Whether we agree with the mission or not, we can all agree that it is horrible to see these young lives cut so short. Many of these soldiers are in their 20s and 30s and leave behind very young children,  of which many of them are under the age of 10.

A small group of friends from North American Van Lines have decided to team up and organize a once in a lifetime athletic challenge to help the children of these soldiers. 100% of the proceeds raised in this event will go to Canada Company, a nonprofit organization that sets up post secondary scholarship funds for the children of fallen soldiers.

We will be embarking on a 7 day journey starting in Toronto and finishing in Montreal starting on September 10th. We will do this by biking and running an average of 85km per day. Every day will end in a community party and will feature great food and local entertainment. I encourage anyone who is interested in participating in any way to support this important cause to contact me and I will be more than happy to provide additional details.

Joe Gagnon
President Westmount Moving & Warehousing

This PDF Press Release contains more information on the Canada company “tour de force”.

Make a donation or participate in the “Tour de force”