Joseph Michael Liu Kai-Tsu Roqueni is an engineer from Montreal, Canada, who has chosen a charity mission that pushes beyond the usual fundraising events. He sets out not to conquer a city marathon or a grand spectacle, but to test his own limits from Canada to Argentina, barefoot, over roughly eighteen months. His background is a point of pride for him, and he describes his heritage with a playful twist as Chexican, a blend of Chinese, Mexican and Canadian roots. The aim behind his effort isn’t tied to a single cause but to a growing list of charities across several communities. He keeps reaching out to groups in different cities to add to the roster of partners, and he hopes to inspire others to support good work in a palpable, hands-on way. For Joseph, this journey is about more than distance; it is about turning endurance into empathy and showing that dedication can illuminate a wide range of deserving programs across North and South America. He expects the route to be a living story, meeting volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries along the way and letting those conversations ripple outward through social networks and local communities alike.
His plan unfolds with a stubborn clarity. He began on July 2 and intends to move two and a half hours each day or log 25 kilometers, whichever comes first. The route will take him through fourteen countries and roughly nineteen thousand kilometers in total. He will traverse diverse terrains and climates, facing sun, rain, hills, and rough ground, all without a ground support team. Yet he is not entirely alone; he carries a compact first aid kit and a single button to summon a rescue helicopter if needed, a pragmatic safeguard for a solo trek. Four pairs of running sandals are packed as a rare backup, though barefoot running remains his first choice whenever the surface allows. He aims to avoid pavements whenever possible, favoring softer, more forgiving terrain to protect his feet. If illness or injury interrupts the trek, he has stated he would return to Canada to recover and then resume the journey, underscoring a steadfast commitment to both the challenge and the charities involved. The path is not fixed in stone; it is adaptable to accommodate local charities and community groups, enabling sponsors to rally support at various stages as he progresses southward toward Argentina. Along the way, he plans to document experiences, share insights on endurance, and highlight practical aspects of fundraising so that each mile translates into meaningful assistance for the people and programs his charity partners serve.
Training for the challenge has been intense yet focused, with about a year of preparation on a range of surfaces to build resilience in the feet and mind. His approach to foot care, nutrition, and recovery emphasizes steady cadence over speed and a calm, present mindset for long days on the road. The decision to go barefoot is not a reckless experiment but a deliberate choice rooted in respect for the road and a belief in the body’s capacity when properly prepared. Joseph expects the journey to deliver ups and downs, from scorching heat to cold nights, from days when his legs protest to moments when a friendly stranger lifts his spirits. Should a setback occur, his plan is practical: a quick return to Canada for treatment and rest, followed by a careful reentry into the route. Beyond the physical feat, the mission centers on connection and generosity, turning each mile into an opportunity for communities to rally around causes they care about. In the end, the hope is to spark conversations about health, environmental stewardship, and the power of ordinary people to make a lasting difference through sustained effort, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose that travels beyond borders.