THUNDER BAY – Michael Vita may only be nine years old, but he’s got the community spirit of someone twice his age – and then some.
The youngster also isn’t letting the COVID-19 pandemic get in his fundraising way.
Rather than sit inside and play video games while schools are closed, Michael is giving new meaning to putting the pedal to the metal, challenging himself to bike at least 1,000 kilometres this spring and summer to help raise money for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, the hospital charity where his mother Heather works.
He figures he’ll attempt to ride at least 10 kilometres a day over the next four months, or at least 50 kilometres a week.
He’s asking friends and family and anyone else who wants to donate to pledge at least five cents a kilometre to help out the hospital foundation, which if he completes the full 1,000-kilometre distance, amounts to $50 a person.
“A lot of people are staying home and a lot of people are getting sick,” Michael said, asked why he decided to undertake the effort.
“I want to help the hospital. There are a lot of people who are sick and I want to give the money to the area of highest need.”
An avid skier and cyclist, Michael won’t be riding alone – at least not most days.
Cycling is a family affair for the Vitas and Michael’s mother and father, as well as his younger sister Emily, all plan to join him as much as they possibly can.
His father, Domenic Vita, said seeing his son show a sign of philanthropy fills the entire family with a sense of pride.
“He mentioned that he wanted to help people during the COVID-19 crisis and we thought this would be a great way to do it,” Domenic said.
“Both kids have donated several times now for different occasions and reasons and it just seemed like a natural fit for them. They’re happy to do it and we’re happy to support them.”
Donations, which total $1,410 to date, can be made through the foundation website at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/michaels1000kmride.
