St. Francis employee cycles nearly 400 miles for annual Dorothy Day fundraiser

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — A man from St. Francis University in Cambria County is cycling his way across the country while raising money to help local families in need.

St. Francis University’s Brother Shamus McGrenra just completed his 10th charity bike ride. The fundraiser is for the Dorothy Day Outreach Center which helps families across the region who are struggling financially.

Shamus McGrenra has been cycling his entire life. 10 years ago, he decided to turn his passion into profit with the support of his fellow friars at St. Francis University.

“He said, let’s do a bicycle fundraiser. I look at him and said ‘Are you kidding? I’ve never raised a penny in my life.’ He said, ‘Let’s see if we can do a fundraiser for Dorothy Day,’” said McGrenra.

100% of the money donated to the charity ride is given to the Dorothy Day Outreach Center, which offers free groceries, clothing and other necessities to families who are struggling.

“Every cent that we raise goes to helping out those who are most in need. So, if an average donor gives me $100, they know that $100 is going to the local community to help them out. And more importantly, it speaks of the gospel message of extending ‘caritas’ which is Latin for love and concern for one another and your neighbor,” said McGrenra.

Over the last nine years, Brother Shamus Charity Rides have raised over four hundred thousand dollars. This year, they have a bigger goal in mind.

“This past year in the fall when we were debating what our goal should be for this year we decided ‘Let’s go and see if we can raise $90,000 this year’ so we could say over the last 10 years through the generosity of loving people in the area we have been able to raise half a million dollars,” said McGrenra. “I can’t believe I’m saying that. And we are on track. We still haven’t gotten there we still have util December 31st,” he added.

Visit St. Francis University’s website to find out how you can support Brother Shamus Charity Ride.

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