Philanthropy Day - Andrew Feenstra

The owner of Cyclesmith bicycle shop on Agricola Street in the North End of Halifax, Andrew Feenstra is a true philanthropist.

Andrew’s philanthropy has always been a part of his life, as far back as 1989. It came hand in hand with his love for athletics and cycling. Since then, he’s had a successful career in coaching, including coaching the National Cycling Team.

Andrew began supporting the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia in Spring of 2021 when he sponsored his long-time friend and fellow bicycle enthusiast, Dr. John Archibald, on his Ride for Dementia.

“John is a phenomenal guy and a good person,” says Andrew. “It’s really easy to help good people.”

On July 1, 2021, Dr. John Archibald set out to ride his bicycle around Nova Scotia in support of dementia care and brain donation. He cycled the ~2,400 KM perimeter of the province in nine days, persevering through rain, cold, and a post-tropical storm. He raised funds for the Alzheimer Society and the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank via the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation.

Both Andrew and John experienced dementia in their families. Andrew’s mom and John’s dad both lived with Alzheimer’s disease.

Andrew hosted a reception following John’s ride where people came together in the Cyclesmith parking lot to celebrate. It was there that Andrew presented his cheque to be split between the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia and the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank.

“Money is one thing, but there’s also awareness,” says Andrew. “John riding isn’t just a one and done. He rode for multiple days with different coverage from the media which helps spread the message and educate people.”

Education is a crucial part of breaking the stigma of dementia. The more we learn, the more we can begin to understand the disease, the signs and symptoms, and how to reduce the risk. It also makes it easier for those living with dementia to stay a part of their community for as long as possible.

Andrew’s mother was a big inspiration for him. A lifelong hospital nurse, she seldom took a day off in her 40 year career. She passed away of cancer in 2020.

“I got my work ethic from her,” says Andrew. “My mom was always very involved in all kinds of activities while bringing up four kids and married to a travelling salesman husband. She was always giving.”

Andrew and his team at Cyclesmith actively contribute to many organizations across the Halifax Regional Municipality. 

“When we choose which organizations to support, we look at what they’re doing for their community and how we can contribute,” says Andrew. “If we’re able to leverage what they’re already doing, they could turn my one dollar into 20 dollars.”

Andrew sits on the Advisory Committee for the Ride for Cancer and has 18 staff who work to support the participants on the day. Andrew also does work with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS). He volunteers his time as a mentor and touchpoint for immigrants who are either starting a business or bringing their talents to Atlantic Canada.

CycleSmith also donates to the Halifax Public Library summer reading program to help kids continue to read when they’re out of school.

“Education is so important for everyone in the community,” says Andrew. “A lot of people can’t read, so the program encourages kids to develop those important skills.”

Andrew is one of our many philanthropists – the people who help us do what we do. They give us their time and energy as volunteers and money as donors. We truly appreciate every minute and every dollar.