Michel Garant's Challenge - From sea to sea for Mira

STE-MADELEINE, QC, May 28, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Michel Garant, paraplegic for 8 years now, is about to embark on a cross Canada tour using a Top End model, 27 speed adaptable strong arm bike, accompanied by Mollo, his faithful Mira Service Dog.

Despite being physically challenged due to an unfortunate snowboard accident, Michel has maintained his contagious joie de vivre and is more active and happier than ever. With this spectacular endeavour of 83 cities, 7,302 km in less than 90 days starting in Vancouver on June 9, Michel will be the first paraplegic athlete to cross Canada on a strong arm bike and for a cause.

It is a daring task, but Michel is determined to make as many Canadians as possible aware of the fact that Mira provides top quality specially trained dogs free of charge, to individuals with one or many visual or motor disabilities, and to children with Pervasive Development Disorders such as autism.

Michel also wants to use this extraordinary journey to promote the fact that Mira has given 46 dogs to Canadians living outside of Quebec and the Maritimes.  In order to meet the ever expanding demand for Mira's free Service Dogs, he will be rolling out the first cross Canadian campaign to call upon the generosity of Canadians across the land. Michel will reach out to millions of Canadians and hopes to see them cheering him on and donating to Mira's Foundation, as he passes through their communities.

The visionary founder Eric St-Pierre has made Mira a pioneer and leader in training Service Dogs for challenged people in a unique and innovative way.

Each year, approximately 180 new handicapped people are served, and follow-up services are provided to the users of more than 800 dogs already in service.  Mira has provided 2,000 guide dogs and service dogs since its creation in 1981.  Each dog represents an investment of $30,000 and is given free of charge.  The Mira Foundation is a non-profit organization employing 83 people. Receiving no government funding, its annual financing depends entirely on fundraising events organized by thousands of volunteers and generous donors.

Look out for the Michel Garant's Challenge for Mira coming to your community, and please be there to cheer Michel in his quest to cross our great country to raise funds for Mira.  Meanwhile, we invite you to visit his website at www.michelgarant.ca