On Thursday I saw the shocking video of two homeless persons being enticed by someone to be kicked in the groin for money. People living on our streets are desperate and consequently some will even agree to being kicked in the groin for money. However, that does not make it right and the individual or group of individuals who chooses to exploit the most vulnerable in our communities in such an inhumane manner are insensitive. It is distasteful, degrading and despicable to take advantage of a vulnerable person such as someone who is homeless with the promise of money to compensate them for injury.

There are a number of different reasons why people end up homeless and living on our street. Some people are living on the street because they are alcoholic or drug addict. Some may suffer from mentally illness or some may be escaping abusive relationships. People who are living on street need food and care for their personal hygiene. They should not be subject to abuse and further humiliation on top of their already tough lives. Regeneration Outreach Community of Brampton has a wonderful program to help provide breakfast and care for those who need food and care. To this end, I have committed to help Regeneration reach its goals of $40,000 for its Coldest Night of the Year Campaign. Click here to sponsor my walk/run.

I will use my time and skills to help bring awareness to homeless and needy in our communities. Allow me to share my experience since Monday about my walk/run. I spent Monday at Regeneration on Main Street. My walk Tuesday morning was uneventful as the weather was not bearable. On Wednesday, February 5, 2014 record snowfall in the Greater. Toronto Area prevented me from going out for my 2K walk/run. The intensity of the snow fall created some doubts in mind. However, as my desire to success at my goal outweighs my fear on Thursday morning I went for a 5K walk/run making up for the mileage lost on Wednesday. My walk/run on Thursday was eventful as at one point along the path on Kennedy North heading towards Mayfield I underestimated the depth of the unplowed snow. It was knee high and by the time I realized I had to crawl out using my hands which even I found rather comical and made a pleasant sight for the passing motorists. Friday morning I went for another 5K walk/run in much colder temperatures due to the wind chill. Saturday morning it was -18C and wind chill it felt like -24C.

I am undaunted by the record snowfall mid-week, knee high snow and bit cold temperatures. As I mentioned in my blog 5 Tips for Facing Challenges in 2014 in the pursuit of our goals we will encounter challenges and setbacks. I am not going to deny that record snowfall and the bit cold is not frightening. My goals are clear. I am facing my fears. I am determined to help the homeless. I am determined to succeed and I am moving forward. What are you doing to achieve your goals? Do you have the will to continue?

To be successful, we need to set ourselves goals. In the pursuit of your goals you will encounter obstacles which you have to be determined to overcome. Last Thursday a friend said to me teasingly that since I am from the tropics I should camp outdoors in the summer instead of on February 22, 2014. In response another friend reminded him that the homeless are outdoors in the winter too. The latter comment was very encouraging for me since a part of my goal is to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness. However, if you think about, I have decided to walk/run an aggregate of approximately 50K in the month of February in a year when we are experiencing one of the worst winters in a long time.

Why am I determined not to be daunted? First, relative to Elon Musk’s goals to colonize Mars with 80,000 people I am confident I will raise the $2,000, walk/run approximately 50K and survive a night outdoors in the cold. In addition to fostering public awareness if my actions can spur others to act on their dreams and goals then that would be an added bonus. So where do I get the will to continue?

I get the will to continue from you. If you feel you lack the will to continue I encourage you to seek out reinforcement or a support network. Remember success comes from building an effective team. I encourage you to join me on this journey. Sponsor or donate here and email or text me you words of encouragement.

Here are some of the positive comments I received:

Mark what a fantastic leader you are for all of us to aspire to. You’re the BEST!

William Ramdass, Real Estate Sales Representative, Mississauga, Ontario:

Pity I met you so late in life. I would have been a vastly improved if I had you as mentor and coach but it’s never too late to learn. You are an inspiration to the young and the old alike yet maintain such humility – the mark of true leader. The fact that you will show solidarity to the homeless in such a very direct manner reminds of a man who lived here about just over 2000 years ago.

Thank you for your uplifting message. There are not many great leaders in this world who are able to inspire others to become more than they are. But that’s exactly what you did when you helped us to form the Antigua Toastmasters Club. We remember you fondly all the time. I am always saying how lucky we were to have you as our mentor and sponsor for an entire six months. Even though the club is only one year old, we are already President’s Distinguished Club 2014 and welcome the opportunity to host our District 81 Conference in May 2014. You are a generous, insightful, effective leader who is an inspiration to those who have the privilege of working with you. All the best with the 50K run/walk and I am sure the time you spend with the homeless will be a source of encouragement for those who are less fortunate. I am proud to have met you. Best regards.

Oh my goodness Mark, you say we inspire you, but the truth is YOU inspire us. WOW….walking/running 2-5km and spending a night outdoor in this weather is altruistic of you. Here are a few tips for your walk/run:

Layers, Layers, Layers that is very important. You will definitely need an outer layer that offers protection from the wind, hail, rain or snow while offering ventilation and allows moisture (sweat) to escape.

Gloves, hats, headbands and even masks are definitely essential (think about the stinging wind in your face).

Bright or reflective clothing are strongly recommended if you will be walking/running in the evenings.

This way you are more obvious to drivers.

Added precaution against slipping and falling would be to wear traction devices that can easily be slipped over your running shoes.

This allow for better grip on the road and reduces the risk of injury (these are to your feet what snow tires are to your car)

You may think hydration is only required during the warm summer months for your walk/run, but believe me you need to hydrate in the winter months just as much.

Even when it’s freezing outside, you still loose water through sweating.  Have those water bottles with you on hand during your walk/run.

If roads are icy or slushy stop and drink instead of simply slowing down to drink.

You chose to walk/run this winter. Don’t lose sight of your goal. Enjoy the journey and congratulate yourself at the end of each walk/run