A nine-year-old Whitby boy on the autism spectrum is raising money for Grandview Children’s Centre by riding his bike to Ottawa.

His dad Chris says James was diagnosed about two years ago and is on the treatment centre’s waitlist, which sits at 3,000 children, the highest it’s ever been.

“We’re on that list, we’re getting close to getting services, but for him, he recognizes that they need help from the community,” explains Chris. “So he figures he can help them, and then they’ll give back and help him… we see this as a two-way street for everybody to help each other.”

The Whitby family often houses cyclists who travel the Waterfront Trail, and James was inspired by one such visitor. His parents challenged him, saying they would consider the ride to Ottawa if James could bike to the CN Tower in one day. He completed that and his journey to Ottawa begins on August 26. A Go Fund Me Page has been set up and his dad says James also gets very excited when people like or comment on his posts.

“We go through them with James and it’s a huge boost,” shares Chris, “He hears a lot about the things he can’t do at school, and the things he can’t participate in… so for him to see a community standing behind him, it’s a big deal.”

So with autism puzzle pieces strapped onto his bike, James and his dad head out on Saturday. They will ride out of Whitby and follow the Waterfront Trail, Catarqui Trail and Trans-Canada Trail to Mooney’s Bay, Ottawa. Chris says they appreciate any support, whether it’s clicking ‘like’ or hitting ‘share’ or putting ten bucks into the Go Fund Me.

Follow James’ ride using the hashtag #RideJamesRide.

Photo courtesy of @RideJamesRide