Less than a week into his 20,000-kilometre motorcycle journey across Canada, CARSTAR Oakville West and AUTOPRO Oakville owner Lorenzo Pellicciotta says one thing has stood out above all else -- the support he has received from the collision repair and automotive community.
Pellicciotta departed Oakville, Ont. on July 5 for his Miles for Sight -- Four Corners of Canada Ride, a seven-week fundraising journey supporting the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Foundation. His route will take him to four of Canada’s most extreme accessible points -- Point Pelee, Ont.; Beaver Creek, Yukon; Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T.; and Cape Spear, N.L. -- while raising awareness and funds for Canadians living with vision loss.
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s amazing and unbelievable,” Pellicciotta said. “Everyone I’ve been meeting has been wonderful.”
During the opening days of the ride, Pellicciotta has visited CARSTAR locations, NAPA Auto Parts stores and NAPA AUTOPRO facilities throughout Ontario, connecting with industry members who have welcomed him, shared his story and helped spread awareness for the cause.
“Getting to stop at AUTOPROs and CARSTARS along the way has been incredible,” he said. “Everyone has been so great, wanting to talk to me about what I’m doing. Everyone is interested and listening to my story.”
One unexpected stop on Manitoulin Island proved especially meaningful. After initially passing a NAPA Auto Parts location, Pellicciotta decided to turn back and introduce himself to store owner Reuben Allen. During their conversation, Allen shared his son’s story -- including his early birth and vision challenges.
The interaction reinforced the importance of the mission behind Pellicciotta’s journey.
“The ride isn’t just about riding across Canada,” he said. “It’s about the people, the stories and the connections you never see coming.”
Pellicciotta also visited CNIB Thunder Bay, where staff welcomed him with breakfast, provided a tour of the facility and shared resources he can distribute throughout the remainder of the ride.
“The people at CNIB have been great,” he said. “I want to do this for a great cause -- to bring awareness and support to CNIB. The more people who like and share what we’re doing, the more awareness we can create.”
The journey has not been without challenges. A scheduled maintenance stop for his motorcycle briefly paused the trip, while high water levels farther north have disrupted ferry service and forced route adjustments as Pellicciotta continues toward Beaver Creek, Yukon, the second destination on his four-corner route.
Despite the challenges, Pellicciotta said the ride has also brought moments of personal reflection. During his first night on the road, he said he felt a comforting sense that his late father, Mario, was with him during the journey -- a moment that provided additional motivation as he continued toward his next destination.
Pellicciotta expects the cross-country ride to take approximately six more weeks. Along the way, he will continue seeking donations, sponsorship support and community involvement to help CNIB provide programs and services for Canadians living with vision loss.
To keep up with Lorenzo's journey, click here. To donate, click here.
