Vancouver, BC, 29 Summer 2010 – Residents of the city of Vancouver are known for their infatuation with cycling. This summer we have seen the addition of several new bike lanes throughout the downtown core; however, some Vancouverites are setting their sights on riding their two wheels a little further than across the Burrard Street Bridge. Fuelled by his love for the exotic and a desire to help, Melvyn Ackerman will saddle up his bike this year and travel to Kenya to ride from the foothills of Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean at Mombasa.

Since 1994 Ackerman, a chartered accountant has been cycling for charity. He has explored corners of the world on two wheels. He has been seen pedaling hard on road, gravel, dirt, and mud through many countries including Canada, USA, Egypt, Israel, Jerusalem, South Africa, India, Cuba, and Jordon. Ackerman is often accompanied by at least one of his three London, England-based brothers and sometimes Vancouverites ready for adventure. Inspired by their shared desire to ride, the Ackermans have made the charity rides into international family get-togethers. Ackerman explains, “It’s much more fun than working on a committee. Plus, my clients and friends have been really supportive.”

It is not all wheels and games though. Ackerman has a close school friend whose daughter was born with Down syndrome, sadly she died at the young age of 16. By chance, Ackerman was introduced to the Down Syndrome Research Foundation (DSRF), a Canadian charity operated out of Burnaby that helps individuals and families with developmental disabilities. The month before Ackerman leaves for his trip, DSRF is launching the The Centre for Specialized Learning, which offers educational and social development programs for children and young adults with Down syndrome, autism and a number of other developmental and learning disabilities. Approximately 1 in 600 children is born with Down syndrome and thousands more are diagnosed with Autism or other developmental disabilities of varying degrees each year. Dawn McKenna, Executive Director of the DSRF is asking for the public’s support, “We truly appreciate Mel cycling in support of our efforts to help children with developmental disabilities reach their potential. We have helped thousands of families in the past 15 years and the demand for our services continues to grow. I encourage you to be advocates for the children and donate to Mel’s Kenya Ride.” Ackerman believes DSRF is a great match for his philanthropic values and has since dedicated his funding toward the DSRF and continued growth of their programs and services.

You can support Mel Ackerman’s cause by donating directly to the DSRF and declaring the money is to support “Mel Ackerman’s Kenya Ride” visit www.dsrf.org/support_us/donations or call 604-444-3773.

For more information or for opportunities to support DSRF please contact Natalie@dsrf.org