"I am a single person who has found a unique way to make a difference in this world. I know that this is a huge benchmark to strive for however, I am up for the challenge I’m just doing my part to better children's lives.”  O. H. G.

In August 2006 Gurlekian's Team Alpine embarked on a two-week journey from Vancouver, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland, in a classic 1967 Sunbeam Alpine V, to compete in the world-class Tarmac Rally, Targa Newfoundland. That year success was measured on many levels: driving 9,900 km, racing and finishing Targa and most significantly raising $15,500 for children’s charities. 

 

Currently, Ohannes Hovig Gurlekian (OHG), founder of Sunbeam Canada, is fundraising for the BC Children's Hospital foundation. In spring 2015, he will undertake his third and largest fundraising project for Children’s charities by driving his Sunbeam Alpine from Vancouver, Canada to Beirut, Lebanon. He will cover approximately 30 countries on the 40th anniversary since emigrating from Lebanon. 

 

The prelude of this journey will begin by driving from Vancouver to Los Angeles in spring 2015. Some of the key cities scheduled for North America will include, Portland, San Francisco, Fresno, Toronto, Montreal, Boston,

1976

In 1975 the civil war in Lebanon peaked. It was a turning point for many families including mine. It was a time for quick adjustments and a sacrifices. As a young teen, the war was a frightening time. I recall standing on the balcony of our hillside home in the suburbs as I watched the tracer bullets fly across the night sky and the never-ending fires set the city aglow. Whenever my father and I went down to the city, I would see a close up result of the aftermath. Streets normally clear for vehicle and pedestrian traffic would be covered with rubble, burning vehicles and the stench of death would linger in the air. A scent, to this day, I will never be able to erase from my memory.

 

On many occasions, family members would come over from the city to stay until the hostilities subsided. While the adults did their thing, it was an opportunity for the children to play and be kids again. When my father announced that we were moving to Canada, I didn't know what to make of it. I could only image by reading one of my illustrated English school books. In summer of 1976 we emigrated from Lebanon. 

 

1996 

In 1996 one of my dreams came to fruition when I was accepted into the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) training academy. However, that dream was short-lived after, on the third month of training, when my father passed away from cancer. Shortly thereafter I resigned never to return. But it wasn't for the the lack of trying. That moment in time was to set things in motion but not necessarily for the better. I found myself chasing my goals and dreams once again with a new set of obstacles. Over time my aspirations began to slowly dwindle. Three years later, I joined the British Columbia Sheriffs and have been there ever since. This was not the career path that I had chosen. However, circumstance led me here and I had to adjust accordingly.

 

2006

2006 set things in motion of what was to come. The planning and fundraising proved to be a stressful at first, however that changed once the cross-Canada journey began and the moment of accomplished arose after crossing the finish line at Targa Newfoundland. That year, I had truly found my calling. I discovered that philanthropy was a skill that I possessed and was a worthy endeavourer that I could pursue.   

 

2008: Moving forward.

When my father passed away, it was the single, most devastating moment for me and it changed my life profoundly. I frequently think about him and it brings tears to my eyes. Although that was more then a decade ago, I recently came to the realization that I had fallen into rut and was missing out of life's offerings . 

 

By strange set of circumstance that I cannot explain, the new year was to open up the gray clouds that were lingering over me for so many years and offered a ray of sunshine. The daily routine that had driven me into despair was to be an opportunity to discover an new outlook on life. I opened up my eyes and I began to explore my creative side. I started to read books again and my passion for adventure stories and rally racing grew. I renewed my love of photography and even began to write - a skill which I didn't realize I had. I have been dwelling on the past for too long. It was time to put it behind me and create my own future; letting it go and blazing my own path of discovery, taking a positive step forward and doing what I want to do.

"You can dream about what you want to do, 

if you don't act upon it, then what is the point? So, here I go." O. H. G.

 

My first encounter with a Sunbeam was in 1991 while I was driving though a community of Vancouver called Kerrisdale. A red convertible parked on the side of the road peaked my interest. I immediately rounded the block and parked behind it.. Luckily, I had my camera with me and I took some photos. Few years later, I obtained a book about Sunbeams and I was hooked. I always wanted to have one ever since. At the time, I was attending College and there was no way I could afford one. A decade later, I bought my first Alpine. 

 

I speak from personal experience when I say, In life sometimes one chance is all  you get. make the best of it. because an opportunity may never present itself again. 

 

Some of the well known poems gives a person the necessary drive to accomplish a task. One of my personal favorite and I'm sure for many is "The road not taken" by Robert Frost. This best describes the journey ahead. However, one of the most significant ones for me has been a quote by Mark Twain: "The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up".  I found this quote in the paper over twenty five years ago and it has been part of my philosophy every since. I know that the world is always changing however certain core values of a person will never be affected by the outside world.

Given the time and energy needed for this project, it would be a shame not to document this journey and share my experiences with others.  Therefore, I am seeking a production company to take on the expenditure and assignment in video documenting this journey A production proposal available upon request..

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give"  - Sir Winston Churchill

Approximately $45,000 is needed in cash, parts, supplies, and services for this project. It's important to note that sponsorship support is key to help offset these hard costs and to ensure the project moves forward. 

In 2006 sponsorship support was paramount to the success and the experience essential in establishing the foundation to continue racing for children’s charities. Once again, sponsorship support is needed to facilitate operating costs including entry fee, transportation, lodging, fuel, parts, supplies, insurance and applicable taxes. In-kind product donations are welcome.

 

The accomplishment of the 2006 fundraiser and the ongoing commitment to the BC Children's Hospital foundation has prompted the preparation for the 2015 International charity drive and Targa Newfoundland rally. This is an excellent public relations opportunity offering low-cost advertising to sponsors. As a community oriented project dedicated to children’s charities, this is a positive endeavor providing an opportunity for sponsors to be part of this unique venture. Success lies with your generous support.

In early 2012, "Skydoggy" will be dismantled and undergo a complete upgrade in preparation for the journey.. 

Ohannes (Ohan) Hovig Gurlekian

1-604-340-7869

Hovig2015@hotmail.com

SunbeamCanada@hotmail.com 

Sunbeam Canada  

Box 15459 Station Terminal

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6B 5B2, Canada

ARTICLES: 2008

     Man on a mission (20080602)

 

ARTICLES: 2007

     Article 3: The Targa Newfoundland Experience  

                   By Ohan Korlikian 20070114

     Article 2: The Drive to Targa Newfoundland   

                   By Ohan Korlikian 20070112

     Make-A-Wish Story #1 Amherst, NS (pdf)

     Make-A-Wish Story #2 Montreal, QC (pdf)

 

ARTICLES: 2006

     Article 1: The Plan to Targa Newfoundland  

                   by Ohan Korlikian 20060328 (word)

     Targa Newfoundland Newsletter Vol 6.2 (pdf)

     Targa Newfoundland Newsletter Vol 6.1 (pdf)

     Osoyoos news 20060621(pdf)

     Media Release: 25 January 2006 (pdf)

     Airtime Magazine (pdf)

 

 

 

 

IMAGES

     2006 Coast-to-coast trip 

     2006 Targa Newfoundland race

     Video: Targa 2006 on Youtube Video #1  

                 (Alpine last car in video)

     Video: Targa 2006 Team Alpine compilation (WMV)

     Video: Targa 2006 Team Alpine compilation (MP4)

 

AWARDS

     Steveston Lions Club - Ladies Choice Award (20080525)

     All British Field Meet - 3rd place - Rootes Catagory (200705)

 

 

 

 

I do not intend on ending it here. My goal is to continue as a philanthropist and slowly wind down from the thrill of this trip. I would need to sit down and gather my thoughts as I write my book about the journey and seriously explore the prospects of starting my own family. Furthermore, I think at some point, I may lend out "Skydoggy" to a museum for others to enjoy and perhaps motivate some young minds to do something beneficial for humanity.