Half a dozen Riders from Virden area couldn’t resist the opportunity to polish up their motorcycles and tour southern Manitoba for charity.
Jul. 15, the Second Annual Ride for Habitat for Humanity, saw riders assembled for coffee at Virden’s A&W. There, they got pledge forms and other paper work from Karen McKinnon, before heading down the highway on a calm, bright Saturday morning, at 8:00 a.m. - their destination Brandon.
At Humpty’s Restaurant on the Trans Canada Hwy, Virden riders met up with Killarney and Brandon riders.
The group continued on to Wawanesa, then Carman for lunch, and to the Elks Hall in Killarney for the evening meal.
Information from Habitat for Humanity says that one in seven Canadian households, including 735,000 children, does not have a safe, decent, affordable place to call home. Many families live month to month, finding it nearly impossible to pay for their basic necessities. Families are often forced to decide between paying for food or paying their rent — a choice that no family should have to make.
When families own their homes, they have ownership over their futures. Communities thrive when families have access to affordable homeownership, meaning supporter’s dollars make a lasting, compounding impact.
Research shows that after becoming Habitat homeowners, reliance on food banks decreases. Children of Habitat homeowners have lower high school dropout rates, and many more earn a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to a control group. Families are also more likely to donate time and money to charities. What is clear is that when families own their own home, and gain strength, stability, and self-reliance, they can focus on their health, education and quality of life,” states Habitat for Humanity.
Brian Taylor (Oak Lake), Barry Marshal, Doug Cruickshank, Dale Hay (all of Virden), Eleanor Laloyaux (Brandon), and Bruce Gabrielle (Virden) ready to ride to their first stop in Brandon, on the Ride for Habitat for Humanity fundraiser event.
Harleys, Hondas and an Indian head out on the highway at Virden, Jul. 15 at 8:00 a.m.
