News Release from Lansdowne Children's Centre Foundation
It takes a special heart to start a fundraising event, and hundreds more to keep it thriving for more than 20 years....
Brantford, ON - On Saturday July 6, the Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation will honour a significant milestone for the Charity Motorcycle Ride started by Bob Caissie, going kickstands up! for the 20th annual ride for the kids.
The police-escorted motorcycle tour leaves Brantford for a scenic ride through Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties, returning to home base for live music and a hot lunch. Brimich Logistics in the Oak Park Rd industrial plaza will host the event for the third consecutive year, with Strodes BBQ & Deli providing lunch, and BarCode The Band providing live music on the Pynx Productions stage. There will also be a pre-ride breakfast with coffee and pastry provided by Tim Hortons.
The Lansdowne Charity Motorcycle Ride was created by Bob Caissie as a summer compliment to the Great Northern Ride fundraiser, a Northern Ontario snowmobile tour that also raised funds in support of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. Between the two annual fundraisers, Caissie has helped to attract over $1 million dollars in local financial support for resources, programs and services access by children and youth with special needs at Lansdowne Children’s Centre.
The 2024 CMR event will also feature a 50/50 draw. Only 2,000 tickets are available, at a price of $10.00 per ticket. The draw is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on July 6. Ticket sales are available online, at Lansdowne, and from participating community partners.
Registration is available online at www.lansdownecentre.ca/cmr and fundraisers are already working to raise awareness and attract donations. Donors can choose to give to a fundraiser, a team, or the campaign, using the online payment portal. Donations are also accepted by reception at Lansdowne Children’s Centre, 39 Mount Pleasant Street, Brantford.
For more information please contact:
Candace Kingyens Senior Development Officer
p: 519-753-3153 ext. 245
****
HISTORY OF THE CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE
The 2024 Lansdowne Charity Motorcycle Ride (CMR) celebrates the 20th anniversary of the event, created by generous volunteer and friend, Bob Caissie.
Bob was the creator of the Great Northern Ride, the first organized event involving motorsport in support of Lansdowne Children’s Centre in Brantford. The Great Northern Ride attracted snowmobile riders to enjoy a northern snow tour and raised funds through pledges and registration fees.
The Charity Motorcycle Ride was envisioned as the summer compliment to the Great Northern Ride, building on a history of successful tours and entertainment. The earliest days of the motorcycle ride were supported by Great Northern Ride participants. While Bob is no longer the Chair of the event, it is his creative vision and philanthropic spirit that continues to guide and inspire our efforts.
Each year, hundreds of motorcycle riders from across the province (and country!) have lined up to ride for the kids with Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation. In 2023, the ride welcomed ambassadors from motorcycle units including Hamilton, Wellington, Peel Region, Toronto, and London, joining riders from Brantford Police. Riders from Manitoulin Island and Canada’s East Coast have also journeyed to participate in the ride.
Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation is forever thankful for the opportunity to connect with an incredible community of motorcycle and snowmobile riders. Each participant has been wonderfully kind and generous to the cause of supporting Lansdowne Children’s Centre and the families of infants, children and youth with special needs, That’s why we ride. #ForTheKids
****
ABOUT LANSDOWNE CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Lansdowne Children's Centre is a highly accredited children's treatment centre (CTC) and SmartStart Hub, connecting caregivers with resources, services & supports, for infants, children, and youth with physical, communication, and/or developmental needs.
Examples of client conditions include Autism, Speech Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Chromosomal disorders and Neurological conditions.
Lansdowne's service region includes Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
When Lansdowne moved into 39 Mount Pleasant Street in Brantford in 1998, providers were helping 571 clients. As of 2023, Lansdowne serves over 3,500 clients annually and has over 2,400 more waiting for assessment or treatment.
Lansdowne recently (January 12, 2024) received Stage 1 Planning approval from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) to progress with plans for a new building in Brantford, to better meet the capacity needs of our region.
****
ABOUT LANSDOWNE CHILDREN’S CENTRE FOUNDATION
Lansdowne Children's Centre Foundation works hard to raise funds in support of critical programs that help our community's children and youth with special needs at Lansdowne Children’s Centre.
Lansdowne Foundation facilitates fundraising efforts, applies for grants and works with generous persons and corporations on private gifting, to raise financial means that support children and youth and their families by providing access to:
● Specialty equipment
● Support workers
● Community-based programs
● Centre-run programs
As well as Recreation programs that have included: Day Camps, After School Programs, Art Programs, Summer Camps and other activities that build life skills through recreation, socialization and play.