UNITY — In an already busy July 9 in Unity, with the ball diamonds full of activity, those at the ball diamonds watched more than 50 motorcycle riders enter town from Highway 21 north, participating in the annual “Ride for a Vet.”
Bikers come out to ride and donate for the cause. Riders hailed from communities across the Northwest.
The charity ride kicked off with a breakfast in North Battleford then kickstands were up at 11:30 a.m. with a processional start, meaning all riders started at the same time.
The ride travelled from Battleford to Unity then went to Biggar and Langham before wrapping up with a meal served in Radisson.
In a similar format to a poker rally, this motorcycle run was called a “roll your dice” run wherein one dice run hand was included with ride fee and additional hands were available to purchase with funds donated to the cause.
Motorcycle enthusiasts support the event either because they have a veteran as a friend or family member, or because they want to show their support for veterans in addition to loving the open road travelled on their motorbikes, many of the bikes being Harley Davidsons.
The stop in Unity was less than half an hour but in that time frame it intrigued those who saw them ride into town as well as those who were at the Delta Co-op C-Store when they arrived.
Many causes and charities have been supported since the association’s fundraisers began, including, in a previous event, helping to purchase three service dogs for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Their website outlines the large number of the donations the organization has made.
The website also includes the organization’s history stating, “A group of riders and friends were relaxing after a motorcycle ride and thought it would be a great idea to form a group, and these riders would benefit charities."
Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so through the website at: RideForAVet.ca.
