It might not be a universally accepted designation, but now the snow is gone motorcycle season has officially arrived in Ontario.
That means kickstands are up and riders are out doing their share for supporting community causes. Locally, that includes participating in a popular event celebrating its 10th year of raising funds and awareness.
The Optimist Club of Newmarket is once again appealing to all interested riders to mark June 10th on their calendar.
That’s the date of the annual Poker Run for Kids With Cancer, an open-invitation fun run rolling out of the club at 10:00 am in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre Paediatric Oncology Centre.
“This is our 10th year organizing this event,” said Newmarket Optimist Club President Jennifer Dale. “To date we’ve raised over $50,000 for the Centre specifically through this event.”
Southlake’s Paediatric Oncology Clinic provides vital care in partnership with Sick Kids and Paediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), offering services that are closer to home for thousands of young cancer patients in Newmarket and surrounding communities. Since its inception in 2009, it is now the fastest growing POGO satellite clinic in Ontario. The clinic sees over 1,350 patient visits a year. Support through events like the Motorcycle Poker Run makes a world of difference for families undergoing childhood cancer treatments, helping keep them together during such a difficult time.
According to Jenn, registration on event day begins at 8:30, with some light refreshments for riders. There will be two or three stops along the way along with food, music and prizes at the end of the run. The run is open to all makes and models of motorcycles.
“This is my third year running the ride and my fifth year being involved,” said Jenn, whose club currently has approximately 24 members. “Last year we attracted approximately 60 riders. This year we’d like to see the event grow.”
The Poker Run for Kids happens 8:30am – 3:00pm June 10th. Cost is $25 per rider and $15 per passenger. For more information visit them online here.