Naing Soe passing through Keremeos, British Columbia on his way to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

For immediate release

Pedaling for Health Care in Burma

METRO VANCOUVER – (June 8, 2011) – On June 2, Naing Soe from Kwantlen's Information Technology department, departed on a cycling trip that will take him, and close friend Rod Germaine, across Canada. The duo is pedaling from North Vancouver, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia over nine weeks, approximately 5,800 kilometres or 3,500 miles, with the goal of raising $250,000 for health care for Burmese people on the Thai-Burma border.

As a Burma native who left more than 20 years ago, Naing is still a very strong supporter of the democratic movement in his home country.

"Naing is an extremely talented and compassionate person," commented Maggie Fung, executive director of Information and Educational Technology at Kwantlen. "We are delighted that he has chosen to support such a great cause and will do everything in our power to support him."

As an active member of Just Aid, an overseas organization whose aim is to provide support from within Canada for the struggle toward democracy and human rights for all the peoples of Burma, Naing has no limits when it comes to supporting Burma. Recently he has started devoting his free time applying his IT knowledge in the development of the Burmese character set to be used in computing.

To follow Naing or to learn more about supporting him on his journey, visit his blog at: http://www.justride2011.blogspot.com

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca