Motorcycle riders who participate in the annual Boardroom Ride have raised more than $100,000 since the Peninsula event began nine years ago, founder Doug Holt says.
This year, another $12,500 was collected, with $7,500 going to the Kids Up Front charity in Vancouver, and $5,000 going to the White Rock/South Surrey hospice societies programs for kids.
The June 22 ride began at restaurant sponsor John Kavanaghs’ Hooke Fish Bar in Crescent Beach, and finished on White Rocks' West Beach at restaurant sponsor Paul McDonoughs’ Jimmy Flynn’s Celtic Snug.
“It is with deep appreciation that I thank our sponsors for their continued support which has enabled us to raise ongoing awareness, and pass on at 100 per cent well over $100,000 in support for local children's charities," Holt says.
Other sponsors include Trev Deeley Motorcycles, Pharmasave, Cobra Integrated Systems, RBC Dominion Securities, Black Dog professional driver education as well as BIV Media Group, Action Athletic Wear Ltd. and Brian Hawkes Photographic.
The ride slogan is "help us, help the kids!"
The goal, Holt explains, is to raise awareness and funding for charities that complement the medical, counselling, and social service communities by facilitating the delivery of experiences and activities that can raise the "spirit, desire, and will to endure" for local children and their families living under trying circumstances.
Those circumstances include children living under palliative care, with chronic or life-threatening illness, mental illness, poverty, loss and neglect.
Anyone interested in helping with the ride next year is asked to call Doug Holt at 604-787-1575 or email holtdougge@gmail.com