Brantford, ON - Gearing up for a major anniversary in one-year's time, Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation has set a new milestone for their marquee fundraising event. Said Senior Development Officer and Event Coordinator Candace Kingyens,
“This is the year we expect to draw more than 500 motorcycle riders and passengers to participate in the Charity Motorcycle Ride #ForTheKids.”
The 2022 Lansdowne Charity Motorcycle Ride took riders on a police-escorted adventure through Grand River communities. Starting at Brimich Logistics on Hardy Road in Brantford, more than 350 participants formed a thunderous parade of two-wheeled iron beasts that rumbled along Brant Ave towards Mount Pleasant. The motorcycle tour included passes through Caledonia, Hagersville, Waterford and Scotland, returning along Highway-24 and the 403 to event headquarters.
“The return from pandemic closure last year was so exciting. The support just continues to grow from riders sharing their experiences on social media.”
The annual motorcycle tour lasts about one-hour, but the festivities that make up the day begin as early as 9am at registration. It takes time to prepare hundreds of entries for an organized ride, and that’s why there’s lots going on before and after the kickstands go up.
“We provide a light breakfast of coffee and baked goods before the ride. The morning is usually really charged with anticipation and energy, with a lot of participants comparing bikes and swapping stories. There’s live entertainment on the main stage all day and after the ride we roll out a hot lunch.”
In 2022 the hot lunch was provided by Strodes BBQ & Deli, a fan favourite at the Charity Motorcycle Ride. The music performance was provided by local blues rocker Chris Strei. The 2023 concert lineup is expected to be announced later this month.
“We want this to be a destination ride for the motorcycle community. It’s an opportunity for tourists to experience Brantford and Brant County, and our neighbouring communities.”
Event details and pre-registration is available online at www.LansdowneMotorcycleRide.com with limited time offers for early bird savings.
For more information please contact:
Candace Kingyens Senior Development Officer
e: ckingyens@lansdownecc.com
p: 519-753-3153 ext. 245
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HISTORY OF THE CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE
The 2023 Lansdowne Charity Motorcycle Ride (CMR) celebrates the 19th edition 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 balance 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.
We are 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 Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation, and so incredibly supportive of all our kids. That’s why we ride. #ForTheKids
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ABOUT LANSDOWNE CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Lansdowne Children's Centre helps children and youth with communication, developmental and physical special needs, to realize their potential.
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 900 clients. As of 2022, Lansdowne serves over 3,000 clients annually and has over 2,200 more waiting for assessment or treatment.
Lansdowne is pursuing Stage 1 Planning approval to progress through plans for a new building in Brantford, to better meet the capacity needs of our region. The business case shares projections that, if left to the status quo, the wait list will grow to 13,500 families by the year 2041. That cannot be allowed to happen.
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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.
Lansdowne Children's Centre Foundation hosts two annual events: the Charity Motorcycle Ride and the Heroes Walk and Roll festival.