Routes Of Change Visionary Will Arrive At VIU's Nanaimo Campus March 15

Markus Pukonen is travelling the world by non-motorized means to raise $10 million for positive change

Markus Pukonen will not get on a plane, in a car or use any motorized vehicle for five years and, while fulfilling that commitment, he’s circumnavigating the planet to raise $10 million for smaller non-profit organizations that make a big difference through the work they do.  

Pukonen created a registered non-profit called Routes of Change to channel the funds raised through the journey to small groups that work hard every day to create a more sustainable way of living.

“I want to help create a healthy future for our generations to come and this is the best way I know how – by using my talents and passions to raise support and awareness for organizations that are working hard to create a better Earth,” said Pukonen.

Named as one of Canada’s greatest explorers by Canadian Geographic, Pukonen left Toronto on July 13, 2015 to begin his five year expedition. He is travelling in one consecutive journey around the world by as many “motor-less” means as possible including rowing, swimming, kayaking, standup paddle-boarding, sailing, running, biking and skiing.

Each leg of the route will be in partnership with a local social or environmental organization in order to build the movement towards a wiser Earth, and that’s where Vancouver Island University (VIU) comes in. After crossing the prairies, Rocky Mountains and everything in between Pukonen made his way to Vancouver Island from Vancouver by kayak.

After biking up to Tofino, his hometown, the BC native has confirmed he is on schedule to be at the VIU Nanaimo campus on March 15 to talk about his vision, next steps, and to ask that everyone in attendance spread the word and support Routes of Change.

VIU Master of Community Planning student, Teunesha Evertse, is helping organize the event to welcome Pukonen to the Nanaimo campus and allow him to tell us, in his own words, about his Routes of Change journey.

“We are honoured to have the Master of Community Planning Department host Markus here at our campus,” said Evertse.

 “I’m inspired by what Markus is trying to achieve and am really looking forward to meeting him. As we move forward I’m hoping we can continue to host events with geographers, explorers, urban designers, planners and architects who are out there making a difference in the world. It’s a powerful way to start engaging and inspiring the student body while connecting with the community.”

After March 15, Pukonen’s plans are to bike to Port Renfrew on the north end of Vancouver Island then back to Victoria where he will row a 17 ft. Whitehall Spirit rowboat to Port Angeles, Washington. He will then bike down the coast to San Francisco where he’ll get on a 30 ft sailboat to Hawaii and beyond. He’s thinking he will use an ocean rowboat to cross the Atlantic when the time comes.

“It’s extremely important to involve VIU during this journey because it’s filled with leading thinkers and change-makers of our time. The inspiration goes both ways and I hope to build long-lasting relationships with all of the schools I visit along the way on this five year journey,” said Pukonen.

Pukonen will be at the VIU Nanaimo campus presenting a multimedia exploration of his journey around the planet on March 15 at 6:30 pm in the theatre room of building 355. The event is open to everyone. For more information about Routes of Change go to: routesofchange.org

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MEDIA CONTACT:  Dane Gibson, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P: 250.740.6288 E: Communications@viu.ca t: #viunews