A pre-Canada Day celebration by the Westlock Legion on June 30 served the dual purpose of raising funds for the 2nd annual ride for Vision & Valour.
The 17th annual Military Police National Motorcycle Relay rode into town to raise money in support of the Military Police Fund for Blind Children charity (MPFBC).
This is the world’s longest annual motorcycle relay, which has raised over $850,000 for the MPFBC and other charities since its creation in 2009. The relay takes place across all ten provinces with stops at defence establishments and scenic points of interest with a special dedication to the Highway of Heroes in Southern Ontario between Toronto and Trenton. Their mission is to supply anyone 21 and under support to lead fulfilling lives.
The Westlock Legion decided to use their visit as a fundraising opportunity. They advertised the pre-Canada Day celebration where each visitor would pay $15 for a hamburger and a drink. The proceeds would go towards the charity.
While the exact numbers are not in yet, Avril Campbell, the branch manager, said that 105 people were paid attendants but the 20 riders were provided free meals for their time.
Before the bikers took off, Lamont French, the Alberta-British Columbia ride captain, shared that this year's riders have visited over 30 different Legions up to this point in their loop and raised over $17,000.
The entire event was put on by volunteers who started their prep on Sunday before the event on Monday, ensuring enough food, drinks and seating were available for their expected members.
The Westlock Legion is always one to step up when someone or a group needs it. “We enjoy doing fundraisers like this and of course, we couldn’t do it without the community coming in and assisting us,” says Campbell.
The Military Police riders took off to the west coast where they finished off their journey on July 5 in Victoria, B.C.
