To the Strathmore Times and the good people of Strathmore
To the Editor
I am accompanying Charles Lage of Winnipeg who is cycling and travelling across Canada this summer raising awareness for autism and to further autism research. Mr. Lage is an autism survivor and is raising funds for a state-of-the-art autism therapy centre in Winnipeg.
Unfortunately, due to serious vehicle problems we found ourselves “stranded “ in Strathmore for two days while our vehicle was being repaired. On Wednesday, July 7 at about 8 p.m. I was at the local Subway on the Trans-Canada just west of Hwy 817, buying myself supper, I started talked to a gentleman, 45-55 years old who was there with his wife and 17 year old, teenage daughter. In fact, that had been to the initial gist of our conversation as my daughter back in Winnipeg is roughly the same age as his daughter.
In addition to us sharing the trials and tribulations of raising a teenage daughter in this day and age, I was also able to talk to him about Charles Lage and our cross-Canada bike tour, the challenges of autism and future possibilities. I had enjoyed our conversation immensely. But if that wasn’t enough, at the end of our talk, this gentleman reached into his wallet and gave me $25, saying, “Here, I hope this helps with your expenses”. I told him I could issue him a tax receipt back at our hotel and I didn’t even have a business card with me. He said it was not necessary.
I was completely flabbergasted by the generosity and trust this man showed in me, Charles Lage and our tour, as well as what we are trying to accomplish.
You have a beautiful community Strathmore and if this mans actions is any indication; your town is also filled with good decent people.
I would like to thank this man but I didn’t even get his name. He, his wife and teenage daughter drove off in a newer model, white GMC Envoy. On behalf of Charles Lage,myself and for people facing the specter of autism as well as others facing challenges in their lives, I would like to thank this man for his kindness. In turn, this mans actions are a reflection of the good people of Strathmore.
For more information about what we are trying to accomplish, please refer to the website of our Manitoba organization www.ajns.net
With many thanks,
Richard C.
Gagnon