Youth in Portage la Prairie will get to chance to hear a story of perseverance from a man who's been trekking across Canada with his shopping cart for almost one year.

Joe Roberts, the founder of Push for Change, has been pushing a shopping cart 9,000 km across Canada and his journey comes through Portage today. Police cars will escort Roberts into the community and then he will speak to students at Ecole Arthur Meighen School in the afternoon to help shed light on youth homelessness.

Joe was a self-proclaimed addict who lived on the streets of Vancouver, who has turned his life around and found triumphs as an entrepreneur.

“A lot of the (RCMP's) strategic iniatives here within the province and across the country are centred on youth and diverting youth from crime,” says Portage la Prairie RCMP Constable Sean O'Keefe. “But also looking at other influences around their lives. And, of course, homelessness is a concern for a lot of Canadian cities and Portage la Prairie is not without its concerns.

“We would love to hear Joe's message and hopefully the kids who get to hear it really take something away from it.”

The RCMP says in a release Joe’s message brings hope and understanding, as his engagement with the community and youth reduces harm and victimization, supports early interventions, and works towards strengthening partnerships with police.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Joe into the city,” O'Keefe adds. “Hopefully his presentation will be well received. And we wish him luck on his continuing journey to the west coast.”