For Immediate Release
October 8, 2004

Al Williams and Kidd Lightning continue journey across Southern Ontario

Simcoe – A man and his horse passed through Simcoe this morning – but this wasn’t just any man or any horse.

Al Williams and his beautiful horse, Kidd Lightning, are riding across Southern Ontario fostering hope among those afflicted with mental illness, and understanding among those who are not. The Southern Ontario Awareness Ride (SOAR) began October 1st in Windsor and is expected to take 13 days with the final destination being Niagara Falls.

“I have been able to talk to Al on a few occasions now and he certainly is very inspirational,” said Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett. “I think it’s great that Al is sharing his story with so many of us. Al really is living proof that one can live a relatively normal life despite being afflicted by mental illness.”

According to Al, the ride is not to raise funds, only awareness. However, donations are being accepted to help offset some of the costs associated with the ride.

“Al told me that truck drivers have been rather good to him along the way,” Barrett said. “Many have discovered that Al takes his coffee large with double cream. I hope that folks in Dunnville, Port Colborne and Fort Erie will offer up a few cups coffee for Al and some oats and corn for Kidd Lightning.”

Al’s 13-day ride takes place during Mental Illness Awareness Week, which runs from October 4 to 10th. Al, formerly from Fisherville and Selkirk, currently lives in Houghton Township.

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MEDIA ONLY may phone Al’s cell phone (on the saddle) at 519-420-8673