Team

Originally from Mexico City, Daniel has spent most of his life in Vancouver BC, where Team “Got Organs?” is based. He has been interested in doing the Alcan 5000 for a very long time now, ever since he read an article about it in a magazine when he was 10 years old and said “I have to do that someday!!”. Well, that day has finally come! He never imagined he would get the opportunity to do so, let alone be doing it for such a good cause. Daniel has been personally affected by the lack of organ donors in BC; his father has been waiting for a Kidney transplant for well over five years, and the wait could still be another five. Apart from driving to the Arctic mid-winter, Daniel is also on the board of directors of the BMW Car Club of BC (www.bmwccbc.org) and enjoys taking part in and organizing events for car enthusiasts around the province and the lower mainland. Whenever he's not working on his car, or something car related, Daniel works in the entertainment industry, primarily as a lighting designer and technician. He would like to thank his family both in Canada and Mexico, his friends (special shout out to Galina, Team “Got Organs?” promoter for Eastern Canada), Ryan his co-driver and the Smiley family, the folks at the BC Branch Kidney Foundation of Canada, the BMWCCBC, and of course our very generous sponsors for all their generous support!! We could not be doing this without you!

Daniel Merkins

Driver + Coordinator

 

Ryan Smiley, born and raised in beautiful British Columbia, is very excited to be a part of this amazing experience! Ryan and Daniel have known each other for a very long time, and ever since the day Daniel brought up the subject of the Alcan 5000 Winter Rally, Ryan was onboard. Ryan is known for typically wearing shorts and a t-shirt all year long, no matter what the weather, so the notion of sub-zero weather isn't all that frightening to him! The idea of going on the Alcan originally came up a few years ago, and it is very exciting that now it is actually going to happen! Ryan was shocked to hear that less than 20% of the population in BC are registered to be organ donors, and knowing what Daniel and his family have gone through in waiting for a Kidney transplant has further inspired him to take part in this epic adventure. Ryan and Daniel have been on many other driving events as a team, whether it be at BMW Car Club of BC events (where Ryan is also a member) or on other miscellaneous side-trips. When not navigating – or getting us lost – Ryan is on his way to completing his Master's in Engineering at the University of British Columbia, located here in Vancouver. It wouldn't go without saying that many thanks are due to his family, for all the support and good wishes, as well as his friends, and of course the BC Branch of the Canadian Kidney Foundation and all of our great sponsors. Thank you for bringing us closer to achieving our goal!

Ryan Smiley

Co-Driver + Coordinator