WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     Special — At the very least most people would consider riding a lawn mower from Canada to Iowa to be just a bit eccentric.

    But Bob Harms, Executive Secretary for the MD5M  Lions Clubs, thought it would be a good idea to raise money for the Lions Children’s Hearing Center at Amplatz Children’s Hospital at the University of Minnesota. Having suffered with hearing impairment since birth Harms had an extra incentive to complete this mission.



    He is raising  money through sponsorship, club donations, business donations, and individual donations.

    Harms started his trek at the Canadian border north of Roseau heading south on Highway 89. He started the 485 mile journey on Monday August 20. Bob was supported by another Lion member  Jim Aasness  with a motor home.

    The pair only spent two nights in the camper, the rest of the nights they were put up by local Lions Clubs along the way.

    Harms drove a TimeCutting zero turn Toro lawn mower, provided by the Toro Company of Windom. At the end of the ride Toro will donate a Time Cutter zero turn mower to be raffled off with the proceeds going to the Lions Hearing Foundation. The mower is valued at $2,700 dollars.

    The mower was capable of going seven miles per hour, and Harms averaged about six miles per hour. On the trip, which ended at the Iowa border on Wednesday, Harms averaged about 50 miles a day.

    Along the way Harms had to deal with several issues including rain and chasing farm dogs. Getting passed by semis was one of his biggest problems as they kicked up a lot of water when he was driving in the rain.

    Tuesday Harms made it to Red Rock corner at the junction of Highways 71 and 30. Several members of the Westbrook Lions showed up there to show their support for the Mower Run. The Westbrook Lions also pledged a dollar a mile to the fund raiser, which amounted to $485.

    Tuesday afternoon Harms was met by a group of people including a hearing impaired toddler who inspired the trip.

    Anyone wishing to make a donation to Harms can do so by sending checks to PDG, Mike Voss, Lions Hearing Foundation Treasurer, 20472 371st Ave., Green Isle, MN, 55338-2172.  Checks can be made out to “Mower Ride.” More information can be found at www.5mhf.org.