GRANDFATHER ON CROSS-CANADA TREK TO PROMOTE DARE PROGRAM

Why would a 60-year-old grandfather who has cycled across Canada twice
cross this country again on two wheels?

It can be said Stan Wawzonek is cycling across Canada on a dare. Not
only is the father of four and grandfather of eight crossing the
country by bicycle as "his way of seeing Canada," he's doing it for
the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) program.

He will travel 8,935 km across Canada, cycling a combination of roads
and trails and stopping at more than 90 communities along the way.

He stopped at the Milton police station Saturday morning and was
headed Sunday to Brantford, his hometown. There Mr. Wawzonek, known as
'The Chip Man', has been in the French fry business for 52 years.

Cycling across Canada for DARE is his way of saying thank you to the
uniformed officers who teach grade 6 children in 14,000 schools across
Canada "about the evils of drugs, tobacco, alcohol and bullying.

"My oldest grandson went through DARE and I attended five DARE
graduations," said Mr. Wawzonek. "I'm completely sold on it, and you
meet the nicest officers in DARE."

The 17-week DARE course is the largest and most widely-implemented
drug and violence prevention program worldwide, stated a release from
DARE Canada to promote Mr. Wawzonek's ride.

DARE was launched in the United States about 20 years ago and is
currently taught in 26 languages by some 50,000 police officers in 51
countries.

Mr. Wawzonek initially hoped to raise $1 million for DARE, however the
fundraising aspect of his trek has given way to creating awareness.

In Halton, seven officers are assigned to DARE. About 5,000 grade 6
children in 105 elementary schools graduate from the DARE program each
year in the region. The DARE program is reinforced in grade 8.

"We owe it to our children to give them help in resisting the
temptation to experiment with cigarettes, drugs and alcohol," said the
marathon man who's cycling about 100 km a day. On "good days" he rides
up to 160 km.

"My experience of bringing up four children and watching them raise my
eight grandchildren tells me we have to make sure the program is made
available in more schools across Canada.

"I feel very fortunate," continued Mr. Wawzonek. "My kids never did
the drug thing and I hope my eight grandchildren won't. On my ride
across the country, I want to increase awareness of the benefits the
program can bring. I plan to meet with volunteer groups and dare them
to set up DARE programs in their communities following my visit. DARE
is a great program. Nothing compares to it."

Mr. Wawzonek said he hopes to complete his ride in Victoria, BC July
31. He began the trek in St. John's, Nfld. April 30.

His well-worn 27-speed mountain bike has stood up well, said Mr.
Wawzonek.

"I had only three flats on the road, and on Thursday (last week), my
day off, I got new tires and four new brake shoes put on."

The weather hasn't been as favourable. "I've had miserable weather --
snow, ice and cold winds," said Mr. Wawzonek.

"But, I don't complain about the weather because nobody's making me
cycle across Canada."

He cycled solo through Oakville, Milton and Burlington, having given
his crew a break.

Long-time friends George and Mildred Markle, who will both celebrate
their 69th birthdays on the road, have been following Mr. Wawzonek in
their motorhome. "They just celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary."

In 1997 and 1999, he cycled across Canada to promote his Thank-a-Vet
program, and personally thanked veterans for their war-time
contributions.

"And, in between my cross-Canada rides, I've been on my bike only six
times," he said.