Arvid Loewen is known nation-wide as a cycling philanthropist.

He has been involved with Kenyan orphanage, Mully Children's Family, since 2005. "I wrote Charles Mully a letter, and I said, 'can you send me three of your orphans?'" He had heard of the work of the orphanage's founder, Charles Mully, and was inspired to help, Loewen tells us.

He bought a tandem bike, took off the back pedals, and carried one orphan at a time across Canada to raise awareness. Since that time Loewen has done several different events on his bike to raise support for the orphanage, including a world record breaking trip across Canada in 2011.

Now he's getting ready for yet another event. "On June 13, I will be participating in Race Across America (RAAM). It's recognized as the world's toughest bike race. It's the equivalent of the Tour de France for ultramarathon cycling."

While Loewen does have a passion for cycling, it's supporting the orphans that push him to continue with ultramarathon events. "It is extreme, and fun, there's no doubt about that. But it's such a wonderful platform."

This year he is hoping to raise $100 for each of the 3,000 kids at the orphanage.

"There's a huge drought in eastern Africa right now, and they're not able to grow their own food like they usually can, right now. Or grow not as much, at least." And not only will the money help the kids at the orphanage, but it will help others around them. "Just today," Loewen says, "I got an email from Charles saying he's selected 15 schools in their area to help feed the kids at those schools. Because if they don't have food, then they're forced to leave school to scrounge for food or money."

Loewen knows that RAAM is a difficult task. He's entered, and finished it, twice before. "In 2005 my neck muscles gave out from being in the aero bar position so long that my head flopped forward and I couldn't hold my head up." His kids, who were on his support team, went to a hardware store and bought supplies and came up with a homemade solution that would support his neck and head so he could finish the cross-country race.

It's that kind of ingenuity and dedication to the kids at Mully Children's Family that has seen Loewen raise $4.5 million through his foundation Grandpa's Can!, thanks to the support of those he meets on his journey.

You can follow Loewen's progress on the RAAM, and make a donation to the cause at grandpascan.com