Cole’s Push - raising funds for ITAV
LISTOWEL – Cole Brubacher is back again this year with a new type of physical feat in order to challenge himself while raising money for It Takes A Village (ITAV) in Listowel.
Last year, the 20-year-old pulled a 7,000 lbs pickup truck for 10 km. He was successful in his endeavour and raised almost $7,000 for ITAV and the Tanner Steffler Foundation.
But that’s been done and now Brubacher wants to push the boundaries (and his limits) to accomplish an astonishing physical triumph, hoping to raise more funds this year for the organization in Listowel. So, on May 19 at 7 a.m. outside the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex in Listowel, Brubacher will be pushing a Mazda 3 car, coming in at around 3,000 lbs, for 21 km (or half a marathon), all to raise money for ITAV. There will be a BBQ, raffle prizes, and music - all the components of a fun atmosphere that will bring people together to raise money for the cause.
The Listowel Banner reached out to Brubacher to learn more about his upcoming challenge.
Listowel Banner (LB): How was the challenge last year and why switch from pulling to pushing?
CB: It was hard. But I wanted to kinda switch it up a little bit … I looked into it a bit and technically pushing stuff is physically harder than pulling stuff so I figured I would try to switch it up a little more by pushing something…It definitely won’t be easy.
LB: How have you been preparing and training for this challenge?
CB: “I’ve been doing a lot of cardio, often using a weighted vest for extra resistance… and a lot of it has been practising actually pushing the car down back roads.
LB: What made you want to donate to ITAV?
CB: “I’ve kinda been passionate about helping people in need… I feel like every time I drive through the city, or even in Listowel you see it a little bit. You see people in their tent or just people asking for money… I want to be able to change that or help people with that. That’s why I want to support them [ITAV].”
LB: You’re pushing the car from one end to the other in front of Steve Kerr Memorial arena, how long do you think this challenge will take you to accomplish?
CB: “I don’t know how many lengths I’ll have to do, I bet over 100 lengths of the road I think… My guess right now is around 10 hours, but I’m not 100 per cent sure it could be longer.”
LB: What does your ideal May 19 look like?
CB: “I want to have it set up so people can come by and visit, watch a little bit, and donate. I feel like as many people as possible just coming by to support would be amazing… Just like having as many people out there and bringing awareness to the cause and It Takes A Village is the goal of it.”
LB: What’s your fundraising goal?
CB: “Each event we (Challenge Accepted Foundation) do we have a goal of $5000, but I would love to raise as much as I can for them.”
LB: Do extreme physical challenges add a new dimension to traditional fundraising methods?
CB: “I feel like it’s a good way to challenge yourself, but also doing that for other people, I can support people through challenging myself… I feel like things that we do surprise people, and get people’s attention. I think that adds to bringing awareness to the cause.”
LB: Are you excited or nervous?
CB: “A bit of both. I’m always just ready to get in there and get it done, I’m definitely nervous for it, it will be tough and a long day, but it will be worth it. I’m excited for the outcome as well…I want people to be encouraged by this, to go and do things, challenge themselves, stay healthy and make a difference in the world.”
For more information or to donate, visit: challengeaccepted.foundation/cause/coles-push/.
Melissa Dunphy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Listowel Banner
