A man, a plan, a bike (and a bus): Kindness tour for heroes comes to Brooklyn

June 13, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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By Mary Frost

Brooklyn Daily Eagle

DUMBO Bob Votruba is on a one man, one dog mission, to raise recognition for America’s uncelebrated heroes wounded warriors, police and firefighters killed and injured in the line of duty.

His 4,000-mile bike/bus tour has temporarily settled in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, where his 1990 white Kindness Bus covered with sayings like “You have the power to positively affect millions of people;” and “Help everyone you can today” stands out amidst the cobblestone streets and ancient warehouses.Photo by Mary Frost

Votruba and his little dog Bogart have been crisscrossing the country for two years now, working on his lifetime goal of “One Million Acts of Kindness.” The latest leg of his journey, which started in Santa Monica in January, will end at Fire Station 10 in New York City on September 11.

“I’m visiting five boroughs, 212 firehouses and 76 police precincts in the next 100 days,” Votruba told the Brooklyn Eagle earlier this week. “I’m on a Kindness Bicycle ride for heroes the bus helps spread the message of kindness.”

Votruba called “Bicycle Bob” in some quarters says he hopes some day there will be no war. “I’ve been stopping at veteran hospitals and seeing kids with missing limbs, post traumatic stress disorder. It’s tragic what these kids go through, and they’re not getting enough credit.”

On his website (www.onemillionactsofkindness.com) he explains his mission. “As a father of three college age kids I am concerned for the world in which all kids will live. A great way to create a safer, more caring world is for everyone to start their lifetime goal of One Million Acts Of Kindness.

“So I bought a bus, had about sixty family members, friends and neighbors help paint it and began a ten year journey with my Boston terrier, Bogart, to college campuses across the country hoping to convince as many of you as possible about this much needed movement for this world.”

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