Wheels for Our Wounded - Inaugural Event a Huge Success

I was very gratified on May 30th that we had 120 riders out for our First Wheels for Our Wounded event. We worked with as many of the other events that were going on in the region as we could to support them by having our run go to them.

We stopped in at Edmonton Harley-Davidson and took in the sidewalk sale, then we went to the
Valour Place  & the MattRad Bottle Drive which the CAV and the Veterans MC both support heavily.

Our final stop was the Royal Canadian Legion Cenotaph in Devon, because well, Kate Mac and her team have had phenomenal support from the Legions in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Our group, the VIP pack, also went to the MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre) so Tyler, Kate's 11 year old son could see some of his old neighbours and talk to other kids living with a parent who has PTSD.

Gunny and Paula at the sidewalk sale at Harley-Davidson of Edmonton

The day started out overcast and windy, but the sun did eventually come out and the smiles on everyone's faces said it all.

Kate, Tyler, Gunny, Rebecca and Paula all had seats with local riders and I have to tell you how excited and happy they all were to get in some wind therapy.

Kate riding with Pigg from Rose City Tire in Camrose
No words needed here - the smiles say it all.

Kate's son Tyler got to ride on this gorgeous Indian

L to R Gunny, Paula, Emily & Rebecca on their respective rides

The VIP pack heading out

After the ride, everyone converged back at Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku to get their final poker run hand card, partake in the BBQ, bid in the silent auction, eat some cake and listen to Tim Isberg and JP Cormier sing.

There wasn't a dry eye in the house as JP sang "Hometown Battlefield" and then
later "The Long Way Home".

Razor from Biker Radio did the Emcee work for us and did a fabulous job.

Tim Isberg

JP Cormier

Kate with fellow 2 CAV member Bucky Buchanan from Moncton NB in front of the SOT Truck

I can't say enough about Blackjack's Roadhouse & Games Room in Nisku and their staff - not only is the venue ideally located, close to gas and accommodations/camping but the food and service are top drawer. The staff have a friendly CAN DO attitude and the management even more so!  If you are looking for the perfect venue for an event - contact Krysta or Clarence at Blackjack's Roadhouse and & Games Room in Nisku!

It was a most amazing day, not to say it didn't have some hiccups and some frustrations.

Our registration forms were misplaced and took some time to find, but they were found and registrations were only 25 minutes late getting started.

I was frustrated by the Jeep Club that was a no show and a couple of RC's that has said they were bringing about 50 riders each, we went and prepared for the additional crowd which kicked us in the arse, but none the less - 120 bikes is a great turn out for ANY POKER RUN and I am grateful to all who showed up.

Les Shandruk of the Northern Gateway Motorcycle Association in Slave Lake was the High Pledge Earner.

Kate speaking with Les Shandruk of the Northern Gateway Motorcycle Association from Slave Lake

Kate and the team were presented with Pink NGMA Shirts

After the dust settled and all of the bills are paid we raised/donated $4008 to The Long Way Home (through 50/50's pledges, poker run registrations etc) and raised $1,600 for the motorcycle we intend to donate in July.

This photo from Cori at Steel Horses Photography,
all other photos from Sophie Pyne

It's a long ways from the $9999 + Shipping that we need, BUT....

The good news is that we have a TON of challenge coins, pins, patches & medallions to sell to get there!

You can purchase Wheels for Our Wounded Products at: http://www.wheelsforourwounded.ca/shop.html

IMPORTANT:

All of the monies raised will be going to purchase that 750 Street Harley-Davidson motorcycle to present to a veteran who would benefit from having wind therapy. The motorcycle will be presented at the end of July.  Further, if we raise enough, we have an RCMP officer in BC and and EMT in PEI we have on the list to be helped!  The EMT needs a hack for his service dog and the RCMP officer deserves, like our veteran, to be back on a motorcycle!

Our first sister event takes place in August in PEI!
Visit:  Wheels for Our Wounded PEI on Facebook

PLEASE consider helping us by purchasing some swag today and help us help three deserving people get some wind therapy!

I want to thank Sophie Pyne, Kate's Official photographer for the photos you see here and to Cori from Steel Horses Photography in Stony Plain for the photos she took which you can see here at:
Belt Drive Betty's Profile Page on www.beltdrivebetty.com

I want to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers for an amazing show of support - we couldn't have done it without you!

If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider





Disclaimer:
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Belt Drive Betty Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.