Prince George Free Press

John McKENZIE/Free Press Tim Dennis brought his worldwide campagn to help street kids to Prince George this week. And yes, his vehicle is quite a conversation-starter.
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PRINCE GEORGE FREE PRESS
Going around the world for the street kids

By Teresa Mallam - Prince George Free Press

Published: November 20, 2008 4:00 PM
Updated: November 20, 2008 5:24 PM

In 2007, Tim Dennis, then 33, of southwest Scotland sold his house and business business – lock, stock and barrel – and took the money to finance a trip around the world. No record was set. People have done that before. However, Dennis had a different reason for leaving his comfortable life and contorting his body so it would fit the close confines of a vehicle turned mobile home.

He cares about street kids. Last year he embarked on his overland expedition to raise funds for the Canadian organization, Street Kids International, and in doing so, is making sure kids have a fair chance at life. He dubbed his trip Rambling Rat Expedition because 2008 is the year of the Rat – and his trip is themed around a cartoon rat named Dylan. Dylan is a lovable, caring, cheeky rogue very much at home on the road meeting new friends and visiting new places.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dennis and his cohort and travelling companion Chris Burton came through Prince George. They met with media at the local Toyota Dealership that is assisting with vehicle support.

Using his unusual vehicle as a conversation piece – it has also become Dennis’ home away from home – and his cartoon friend Dylan, the connection with youth has enabled him to talk to and about street youth around the world. He has set up all his camping equipment to create a hands-on campsite which communicates the importance of the basic needs of water, shelter, food and safety.

“Dennis is so dedicated,” said Burton. “He’s doing this entirely on his own hook. He sold his house and business to pay his way. That’s how much he believes in what he is doing.” Dennis has crossed eastern Europe and Siberia. While in Russia preparing to ship to Japan, he was interviewed at two Russian television stations. In Japan, he was invited to speak at Japanese schools.

The more he travelled, the more opportunities he’s had to talk about kids who need help. He arrived in Vancouver this month aboard a freight ship with his car and he plans to visit Alaska and the Arctic Ocean before heading east to Street Kids International’s offices in Toronto in early December.

Street Kids International is a non-profit agency founded in Canada that is a global leader in developing and disseminating the strategies and tools needed to give street kids around the world the choices, skills and opportunities to make a better life for themselves. The organization’s street health programs focus on working with local organizations and youth workers to engage street kids in making informed choices about sexual health and drug use. The street work program seeks to empower street kids to develop safe and more productive ways to earn a living working in the street. The programs include the distribution of award winning animations and workshops.

For more information visit www.streetkids.org. To follow Dennis on his journey visit www.ramblingrat.com.