Tana Silverland, a recent immigrant to Canada from the UK, is getting to know the people and the places in her new country through a mission she calls: “A Place to Call Home.”
The journey, a two-and-a-half-year trek across Canada on a recumbent trike, began in June of 2010 in Whitehorse, YK.
While travelling across the country, Silverland is also doing volunteer work for SOS Children’s Villages — a charity for orphaned children currently raising more than 80,000 children in 500 villages across 132 countries.
Progressing across northern B.C. throughout the winter months by bus, Silverland spent some time in Williams Lake over the weekend while taking in some unique Cariboo activities before moving on to her next destination.
“The most important thing I’ve taken in here is how friendly the people are,” Silverland said. “It’s almost like you sort of take it to a new level here. Almost everyone I’ve come in contact with here treats me like a friend.”
Upon arriving in Williams Lake, Silverland was greeted by her Williams Lake hosts, Tony and Rose Dickens, who promptly took her to meet Mark Savard, owner of Red Shreds Bike and Board Shed.
Silverland said part of her goal in making the trip across Canada is experiencing something unique in each community she visits.
First, Savard took Silverland cross-country skiing at Bull Mountain, before the pair headed off to Chimney Lake where Silverland experienced pond hockey for the first time.
“Mark was a complete star,” she said.
“I feel like I’ve come one step closer to becoming a true Canadian.”
Silverland explained having the opportunity to receive a solid upbringing from two loving parents has motivated her to help provide the same opportunity to other children.
“I want other kids in the world to get the same start I had,” she said. “I started volunteering for SOS Children’s Villages in Cambridge at their UK office and when I came over here I had the opportunity to see a bit more of my new country and this seemed like a good opportunity to spread the word about SOS.
“They do fantastic work and this is a good way for me to share my passion and enthusiasm for what they do.”
Silverland said she hopes to finish her quest across Canada just prior to the winter of 2012.
She also wants to know what you love about your hometown.
Silverland has a blog at http://tanasilverland.wordpress.com where she records her travels and adventures and has invited anyone to click on “The Place you Call Home” and let her know what you love about your community.
For more information on SOS Children’s Villages visit www.soschildrensvillages.ca.