OCNA recognizing local youth for contribution to community

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

Nine-year-old James Potvin arrived at school this past September with a heck of a story to tell about his summer.

James, along with his father Chris, spent the week before Labour Day cycling more than 450 km from their home in Durham Region to the nation’s capital in Ottawa.

In the process, they raised more than $10,000 for Grandview Children’s Centre’s current capital campaign, almost tenfold their original goal of $1,500.

James, who has high-functioning autism, is one of approximately 3,000 children currently awaiting services at Grandview.

This tremendous achievement has led to James’ selection as one of 12 finalists for the Ontario Community Newspapers Association’s Junior Citizen Award.

“We’re honoured that we were thought of and it was special, but we didn’t make a lot of noise about it, and I think James still doesn’t fully recognize how big this is,” Chris told The Oshawa Express.

The amount of media attention their trip garnered last summer overwhelmed James at times.

“It was a big deal for him, and it’s part of who he is that he shied away and got nervous,” Chris states. “Over time he’s become more used to it, but it’s still not his forte.”

Another motivation for the impressive trek was to raise awareness regarding autism.

“[Some people] have a vision of autism based on what we’ve seen in the movies and on television,” his father explains. “We’ve had a lot of people ask us, ‘what is he a savant in?’, and that’s not autism, that’s a totally different thing.”

As they advanced in their campaign, Chris notes support and well wishes began to roll in from across the province.

“I think what this award speaks to is the way the community is willing to come together for those in need. As much as James really became a face for that and our ride carried that message out, the award is really for the province as a whole for supporting that need.”

Chris is quick to explain while it’s been an incredible experience for him and his son, it’s something many people have the potential to achieve.

“I want to keep it in perspective that this was a boy and his dad taking a ride to the park. It’s quite doable for a lot of families,” he says.

With that said, James’ family looks forward to his recognition during the awards gala early next month.

“When you read down the list and see what the other recipients are doing, it’s an impressive thing, and we’re happy to be part of it,” Chris says.

Plans are already in place for a second charity ride this summer.

Without revealing too many details, Chris says it will “be twice as far, in twice as many countries, for twice as many charities.”