In five years Brother Shamus, of Saint Francis University, along with others have helped to raise more than $100,000 through a charity cycling event.
“I’m trying to raise funds for the Dorothy Day Center,” Brother Shamus tells WTAJ.
Five years ago he wanted to raise $5,000 for the Dorothy Day Center, a community based organization at Saint Francis, that helps less fortunate individuals in the Altoona and Johnstown areas.
“We decided that we would try to do something for the poor in the area.”
That year they collected $12,000.
Starting in New York City on September 9, this year Brother Shamus will cycle 1,500 miles to Sarasota Florida in eight weeks.
“We wanted to raise a lot of funds and Marty said what do you do? I said Marty I love to cycle.”
Brother Shamus says he’s prepared. He’s a veteran cyclist who has been at it for 35 years. He will start his journey each day by 7 a.m. and will call it quits around 6 at night with a lunch break and a day off here and there. Each week the 69-year-old will cycle between 250 and 300 miles, but he won’t be doing it alone.
“There is going to be alumni with me. There is going to be friends with me. There’s going to be other crazy people like Brother Shamus traveling 1,500 miles all along the route,” Brother Shamus says. “I’m going to have a lot of friends and a lot of companions along the way.”
Brother Shamus says the best part about this trip is that all of the proceeds go towards helping the center.
“I have a great interest and desire to help the poor. It’s one of the majors goals of our Franciscan education.”
He stresses that you can donate to the center at any time. This year they’re looking to raise $40,000.