Toronto, Ontario // Monday, May 12, 2025 // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Friday, May 9th, Lucas De Sousa set off from the Mile Zero Monument in Victoria, B.C. and will cycle more than 7,300 km across Canada where he will land in Cape Spear, Newfoundland in August. De Sousa hopes his efforts will raise awareness about the work done by Community Living organizations, which support people who have an intellectual disability and their families.
“This coast-to-coast journey will be a huge challenge,” De Sousa admitted. “However, knowing that I’ve committed to this experience, and that it’s for such a meaningful purpose, will give me the resolve to persevere.”
De Sousa plans to visit as many Community Living organizations as possible across the country. “When I thought about taking this bike ride, my first thought was that I would be unable to volunteer while away over the summer,” explained De Sousa. “However, by using the ride to increase awareness and raise funds for Community Living, I will continue to give back to these amazing organizations.”
Having just finished his undergraduate degree at Western University in London, De Sousa decided to challenge himself before attending Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in the fall. While attending Western, De Sousa volunteered with both Community Living Mississauga and Community Living London.
“Lucas consistently engaged with all program participants, taking time to have conversations with everyone and demonstrating his deep-seated kindness and commitment to fostering an inclusive community,” shared Gillian Seguin, a Direct Support Professional at Community Living London.
“Lucas has left a lasting impression on the lives of people he has supported,” added Shalane Duce, Manager of Community Living Supports at Community Living Mississauga. Duce singled out De Sousa’s time with a person they support named Ashton for particular praise: “Lucas ensured that Ashton was actively engaged within his community without reservation, introducing him to a variety of activities and skills that he would not have otherwise participated in. Ashton’s life was socially, physically, and emotionally enhanced by knowing and being connected to Lucas.”
“We’re thankful for Lucas’ commitment and honoured that he has chosen Community Living Ontario as one of three recipients for funds raised during this incredible ride,” said Chris Beesley, CEO of Community Living Ontario. “We join Lucas in his excitement around creating awareness for the Community Living Movement and, by extension, authentic inclusion. We will be cheering him on this summer.”
For more information about Lucas’ coast-to-coast journey, visit: bit.ly/Coast2Coast4CL2025Map
If you would like to travel along with Lucas on social media, follow him on Instagram at @coast2coast4CL.
To donate to the Coast2Coast4CL fund, visit: bit.ly/Coast2Coast4CL2025
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For media inquiries, contact Eon Sinclair, Coordinator of Corporate Partnerships, Community Living Ontario, at esinclair@communitylivingontario.ca or 416-447-4348 ext. 235.
About Lucas De Sousa:
Lucas De Sousa recently graduated from Western University in London, Ontario. While there, he volunteered with Community Living London’s Centre of Learning and Innovation where he assisted facilitating classes which engaged participants in the areas of learning, leisure, physical, and special interest activities.
About Community Living Mississauga:
Community Living Mississauga is a non-profit, charitable organization which supports people who have an intellectual disability to identify and achieve their personal goals and interests. Founded in 1955, Community Living Mississauga supports more than 3,000 people who have an intellectual disability to ensure their quality of life in the community is meaningfully improved.
About Community Living London:
Community Living London, in collaboration with families and the community, is a registered charity dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities to live fulfilled lives. Community Living London supports over 1,000 people every year in a wide variety of support services including Accommodation Services, Respite Services, Community Access programs and many others.
About Community Living Ontario:
Community Living Ontario is a non-profit provincial association that has been advocating for people who have an intellectual disability and their families for 70+ years. We proudly work alongside 125 local agencies and advocate with 250,000+ people who have intellectual disabilities and their families across Ontario.
