Susan Gerth’s message at the 9th Desiree’s Ride came through loud and clear in Brantford Saturday morning.
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Gerth’s goal is to raise awareness of what victims of crime and their families go through in Ontario.
“For those who haven’t had to experience this, I pray you never have to,” said Gerth, speaking to riders and passengers before Saturday’s ride. “No one understands the effects, the pain, the suffering of victim experience until it happens to you.”
About 50 riders and passengers participated in a ‘scenic motorcycle ride’ to Nanticoke Saturday, coming from across southern Ontario, including Brantford, Woodstock and Norfolk County.
Gerth’s daughter, Desiree Gallagher, was a victim of violence. She died in 2015 at the age of 23.
“My daughter’s story is one of many,” said Gerth. “I choose to talk about my daughter’s tragedy to bring awareness, and I have great support to help me do so. I want to bring awareness to what victims have to go through. It’s a never-ending rollercoaster and a life sentence.
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“I have been blessed to have so much amazing support from the community, friends, family, and especially the Des Family, the support that keeps me standing and the strength to continue fighting.”
Through funds raised at a fundraising breakfast, charity golf tournament, and the 2024 Desiree’s Ride, Victim Services of Brant will receive a check for $10,000.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the board members, and community members, you have all gone above and beyond,” said Gerth. “Each one of you shows such passion for helping victims of crime, and always keeping Desiree’s memory alive, and her legacy. I couldn’t have done this without all of you. We have all become one big Des Family and share a very special bond.”
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Guest speakers included Donna Dixon, mother of Billy Mason from Hamilton, who talked about why Victim Services is needed.
Larry Brock, Brantford-Brant MP, thanked Gerth, describing her as a courageous, loud voice, and the board, volunteers, sponsors and ride participants raising funds for victims of crime and raising awareness.
“Some of you have come out every single year to support this worthwhile cause,” said Brock, a former crown attorney.
“We all need to do our part to raise awareness in our communities. A change is needed and we have to get the ear of our local, provincial and federal politicians.”
Will Bouma, Brantford-Brant MPP, also thanked Gerth and emphasized the need for change.
“Thank you for being here, thank you for your support, thank you for sharing your trauma… again, and again, and again,” said Bouma. “Because the reality is, for the most part, we forget. We show up here once a year, we help out a little bit and we feel like we’ve done something, but it’s up to people like you Susan that continues to remind us of the pain that you’ve been through, the pain that you continue to go through, the impacts on your family.
“I believe if those stories get out there, if people really get a sense of how much pain goes on, then they will vote for a change so that we can see violent criminals stay behind bars, so that things like this don’t happen any more.”
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