Organizers are revving up for the fifth annual Charity Motorcycle Ride on Saturday.
More than 300 riders from across Ontario are expected to board their bikes to raise money for the Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation. Riders, who have gathered pledges, will travel a 70-kilometre scenic route through the city and Brant County, including a drive past Lansdowne where they will be “greeted by waving hordes of kids,” said Rita-Marie Hadley, executive director of the centre. The tour will begin and end at the civic centre. “This kind of event is dependent on the weather,” said Hadley, “but bikers are a hearty gang.” Last year’s ride raised $38,000 for Lansdowne’s Every Kid Counts program, which helps children and youth with special needs to participate in recreational programs. While Every Kid Counts doesn’t pay registration fees, it provides workers to help special needs children participate in activities. “It gives a leg up for kids,” said Hadley. “It allows them to be one of the gang.”
Since the ride’s inception, more than $125,000 has been raised in support of the program to help 500 local children and youth.