By Rachel Galvin
Beginning on Sept. 9 and ending on Oct. 31, 25-year-old local FAU graduate Fabio Barbieri will venture on a harrowing and heroic 2,000-mile journey for 51 days across Japan to raise money for those affected by the March 2011 tsunami. His sojourn starts in Japan’s northernmost point at Cape Soya and ends at the Southern tip, Cape Sata. This is the Lighthouse Point resident’s first trip to Japan.
Barbieri, who attended Cardinal Gibbons High, but was a senior at Zion Lutheran and graduated from there, said, “I have traveled a lot and have always wanted to go to Japan. Having recently graduated with an MBA and being done with school for good, I decided to treat myself to a trip. I have been saving up money for a new car, but one day, I thought to myself ‘I could go the safe route … buy my car, get a 9-5 job right away and start saving for a house … or … what else could I do?’ At that point, Japan came into my mind, having always been a dream of mine to go there. So, after some research I figured that, with my budget, the only way for me to see the country would be to camp out. Finally, I said to myself, why not also make it into a fundraiser while I am at it? So I did, and came up with the idea to cycle the length of the country to raise money for disaster relief. You can’t really raise funds unless you do something out of the ordinary, so that’s how the idea came about.”
Barbieri, who graduated with an MBA in Operations Management, does not classify himself as a cyclist or a camping enthusiast, but obviously, he is a philanthropist, using his heart to lead him to give back to those in need. He is hoping to raise at least $5,000 in disaster relief.
Funds will go to Second Harvest Japan, a food bank that will ship supplies to affected people. He will be donating time to work with Second Harvest while in Tokyo. He also will work with All-Hands to help with rebuilding efforts.
Asked what he is most looking forward to, he said, “I am looking forward to reaching Cape Sata (the finish line) and screaming at the top of my lungs in satisfaction!” He added, “ I am afraid mostly of where I will be sleeping at night as I have never camped out in random places, or anywhere for that matter!”
Several companies have pitched in to help Fabio’s journey by providing supplies and discounted services that he may need along the way. He plans on camping out in a tent or possibly in the home of a kind stranger.
He hopes this effort will not only help countless people in Japan, but also open his eyes into a new culture and inspire others who follow his blog. To see pictures and videos of Fabio’s adventures along the way and to help him reach or exceed his goal by donating, visit his site: www.pedalforjapan.com.
Fabio Barbieri hopes to raise over $5,000 for Japan.
