21st annual Charity Motorcycle Ride for Lansdowne Kids a success

Matthew Cowling served as the youth ambassador for the 21st annual Charity Motorcycle Ride for Lansdowne Kids, which was spearheaded by Brian Kinrade of Ensuring Brant.

The glossy paint and bright chrome on hundreds of motorcycles shone in the sun on June 28 as the riders lined up to roll out for the 21^st annual Charity Motorcycle Ride for Lansdowne Kids.

Riders came from Brantford and beyond, including Port Dover, Woodstock and Binbrook, to enjoy the event, which was coordinated by Brian Kinrade of Ensuring Brant.

“I’m very happy with the turnout. I really appreciate the support from the previous riders and the new riders. We really couldn’t have done it without the help of the volunteers, as well,”

Kinrade said.

The ride was held at Brimich Logistics, and included a hot lunch provided by Strodes BBQ, live entertainment featuring BarCode the Band presented by Maria's Pizza The Original, and – of course – the annual group motorcycle ride, with police-escort, recognized as Brantford's loudest fundraiser.

Previously, Lansdowne’s Executive Director, Rita-Marie Hadley, noted that the event has been, “an amazing way our kids feel supported, not only seeing the supportive motorcycle-riding community turning out for Lansdowne, but perhaps gaining comfort around loud noises.”

Kinrade said he’s currently working on confirming the dates for the upcoming rides through to 2030; details will be shared as they become available.

The ride was originally started by Bob Caissie, and the 20^th iteration of it in 2024 was expected to be the grand finale. However, Kinrade and other supporters wanted to keep it going.

“With 20 years of history, the blueprint was already there to host a successful fundraiser,” Kinrade said. “I personally didn’t want to see the ride for Lansdowne kids end. My kids received help with speech from that organization, and they’ve now grown up to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces and in our Brantford Hospital.”

Lansdowne’s clients are the reason for the ride, and the participants got to hear from one of them first-hand: Matthew Cowling served as the youth ambassador for the event.

He waved the flag to send the riders off at the start of the ride, and afterwards he spoke to the participants.

“I like motorcycles and I like Lansdowne,” he said, noting that he’s accessing programs and services through the organization since 2011.

“I really like the people there and their programs. Lansdowne has been a great support system for me and my family. We appreciate everything you do.”

To the riders, Cowling said, “I hope you all had a great ride, and thank you for supporting Lansdowne Children’s Centre.”   

The results of fundraising and total donation to Lansdowne Children's Centre will be announced the week of July 7 on the event website and social media channels.

www.lansdownecentre.ca/cmr

More event photos available on our Facebook page, visit www.facebook.com/lansdownecharitymotorcycleride/