People throughout Southern Minnesota may notice a man “portaging,” or carrying a bright yellow canoe across his back, this week as he makes his way across the state in an effort to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention.
Twenty six year old Evan Hansen of Rochester, began his journey on September 1st at the Minnesota/South Dakota border. He’s portaging 313 miles across Southern Minnesota and his journey will end in Winona.
Hansen is traveling roughly 10 miles a day in order to keep himself health and if his body and the weather cooperate, he plans to be done sometime between October 5th and October 10th.
Hansen has a QR code on his phone which will take people to the donation page on 4giving.com. All of the proceeds will go to NAMI Southeast Minnesota. Hansen says his goal is to raise $100,000.
Hansen is making the journey with only a backpack containing some food, water and emergency supplies. Hansen carries his canoe, which lists the names of the people who have died by suicide. Right now, there are 318 names listed on the canoe.
Hansen’s journey can be followed on his Facebook page, “Portage for a Purpose.” The link to donate to his cause can also be found there.
