Volunteer Spotlight: Duncan Leikucs and Eric Koehn
In the winter of 2020, on a leadership retreat for the now completed Amici Compass Leadership Program, two of Amici’s most dedicated volunteers came up with an outlandish idea, which at the time seemed unattainable. But Duncan Leikucs and Eric Koehn had their minds set on a goal, and that was a multi-day, long-distance bike trip around the shore of Lake Ontario in support of Amici campers.
“During the Compass retreat, we watched a mini documentary made by Explore Your Outdoors, a group of four who cycled around Lake Ontario in the middle of winter to raise funds for Amici. We both thought this was an impressive feat, especially during the winter, and thus the seeds for Gearheads were planted!”
As Kilcoo Camp alumni, Eric and Duncan were both introduced to Amici through their time at camp. Since then, their commitment and volunteerism has grown year over year. From attending events hosted by Amici’s YPC, to participating in Canoe Heads for Kids, to eventually becoming mentors for Amici campers as part of Compass, and now as the two founding members of Amici’s Gearheads for Kids.
As the idea began to take form, the pair added on a few other camping enthusiasts to their squad of cyclists. Phil Ratman, Joel Brown, and Austin Baggio all came on board to make the Gearheads a group of five.
Like most plans this year, pandemic restrictions threw a bit of a wrench in the Gearheads route, but nothing could stop this tenacious crew. On August 30, 2020, the Gearheads began their journey. Six gruelling days of cycling from Toronto to Montreal to Ottawa and back, totalling a distance of 1,207 km. A lofty and life-changing goal, which was, of course, absolutely smashed by these five incredible camp advocates.
Along the way, the Gearheads had so many highlights. From swimming in the Trent River after completing the first day’s 188 km ride, to just the experience of getting to hang out with some of your friends after a long day of hard work, the Gearheads saw incredible times.
Through this year’s inaugural Gearheads for Kids, the event collectively raised over $15,000 for Amici campers, absolutely knocking their initial goal of $6,000 out of the park!
The Gearheads are excited to continue the event’s growth. Already deep into the planning process of this year’s ride, the Gearheads are excited for another week of cycling, all in the name of giving Amici campers the opportunity to have the same camping experience they have had the chance to benefit from.
“I truly think that without Kilcoo and without camp, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” says Duncan. “The friendships created and the characteristics it helped foster, helped make me a better, more well-rounded person. A huge part of that is caring for others, and contributing back. If I ever have the chance to give a kid that same opportunity that I had, to go to camp, I will do it 100% of the time.”
A HUGE thank you goes out to Duncan, Eric, Phil, Joel, and Austin, for being the kinds of leaders and volunteers that the world needs today. We cannot thank them enough for their dedication, enthusiasm and propensity for giving back to the community. THANK YOU!
