Island contractor to pedal nearly 600 miles — for the trees

Now in its 22nd year, the STIHL Tour des Trees is the signature fundraising event for the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund, and America’s largest fundraiser for tree research and education. This year’s ride launches from Niagara Falls, Ontario, July 28 and traces a counterclockwise route around Lake Ontario

July 16, 2013 5:04 pm

— Editor’s note: the information below is from a press release submitted by STIHL Tour des Trees

Kenny Askew, a self-employed contractor working with Paulson Construction, will cycle 585 miles from Niagara Falls to Toronto with the STIHL Tour des Trees this summer.

Now in its 22nd year, the STIHL Tour des Trees is the signature fundraising event for the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund, and America’s largest fundraiser for tree research and education. This year’s ride launches from Niagara Falls, Ontario, July 28 and traces a counterclockwise route around Lake Ontario, concluding a week later in Toronto at the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual conference.

“I ride for the fun and to save trees, natural resources that do so much, for all of us,” Askew said.

Askew is well on his way to raising the $3,500 minimum donation required to take part in the ride, which supports scientific research, education programs and scholarships administered by the TREE Fund.

To contribute to his fundraising efforts, visit his donation page at http://stihltourdestrees.racepartner.com/2013-stihl-tour-des-trees/kennyaskew.

Profiled in the travel section of the Huffington Post, Forbes and on CNN, the STIHL Tour des Trees attracts cyclists and tree advocates alike with an opportunity to cycle a different part of the world each year, while planting trees and raising awareness of the role of research in preserving the health of urban trees.

Last year’s Tour traveled through northeast Oregon, raising $650,000 for the TREE Fund.

“Each of our STIHL Tour des Trees cyclists dedicates months to training for the ride and fundraising for the TREE Fund,” said Janet Bornancin, president and CEO of the foundation. “Their efforts benefit urban trees everywhere. While most people can’t match that commitment, a donation to a Tour rider’s fundraising campaign is a way to recognize that effort and support the continued health of the trees in your community.

To support Askew’s fundraising campaign or to learn more about the STIHL Tour des Trees to benefit the TREE Fund, visit www.stihltourdestrees.org.

For more information visit stihltourdestrees.org or contact Kate Lewis at 757.340.7425.