The 20th anniversary Lansdowne Charity Motorcycle Ride raised more than $55,000 for programs to help children and youth who have communication, developmental and physical challenges.
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About 400 motorcycle riders lined up and rolled out of the Brimich Logistics Brantford facility on July 6 for a fundraising tour of the region.
The no-touch-down ride attracts participants from all over Ontario and the northern United States.
Candace Kingyens of the Lansdowne Foundation said the money raised will allow the continued growth of programs such as Every Kid Counts. The program provides a free support worker for children and youth who need extra support to attend a day camp or other local recreation programs.
Over the past two decades, the motorcycle ride has generated more than $1.35 million for the children’s centre.
This year’s child and youth ambassadors for the ride were Lexa MacMartin, who was joined by her parents Stephen and Kate; and sisters Autumn and Alexis McDermott who were joined by their mom Amanda.
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The Lansdowne Charity Motorcycle Ride was founded in 2005 by local business owner and “Culligan Man” Bob Caissie whose family was supported by Lansdowne when their children were young.
Lansdowne has been organizing and managing the motorcycle ride since 2019. Jennifer White, executive director of the Lansdowne Foundation, said they can no longer support the event on their own.
“We would love to see a third party continue this event,” she said. “We have received a lot of interest from a number of parties, and we’re excited to support and share our experience to see this event continue.”
An event will be held later this summer for anyone interested in helping the ride roll on. A date has yet to be announced.
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