Over $4,000 raised at Charity Motorcycle Ride for Lansdowne Kids

A dedicated crowd of volunteers, sponsors, partner organizations and riders made the 21st annual Charity Motorcycle Ride for Lansdowne Kids a resounding success, with $4,445 raised, after expenses.

The first motorcycle ride event organized by Ensuring Brant, a Brantford-based not for profit volunteer organization, provided a great day of fun and adventure.

“I am very happy with the amount for my first time,” said Brian Kinrade of Ensuring Brant, who took over running the event after finding out that 2024 was going to be the last year.

He expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the June 28 event in any way, and “made this possible.”

The money raised by the event will be used by Lansdowne Children's Centre to provide programs and services to babies, children and youth across the Grand Erie area who have communication, developmental, and/or physical differences.

Here’s what some of the attendees had to say about their experience at the Charity Motorcycle Ride: 

 

Terry Decaro, Woodstock: “It's a good cause,” she said, noting that she does the (RIDE) with (CLUB) as well.

Rick Arnold, Cambridge: “We've been here for the last four or five years. We’re here to support the kids.”

Melanie Leader, Guelph: She came with the Grand River Motorcycle Group. “About 16 of our bikes are here. This was my first charity ride; I thought it was a very good cause.”

Mary Ann and Glen Mills, Buford: They attended the ride a few years ago, and while they weren’t able to go last year, they were glad to return. As Glen noted, “I like the cause – it's for the children.” 

Dave Schoenfeld, Brantford: “I've been doing the Lansdowne ride for a couple of years,” he said, adding that he likes to ride as a group. 

Father and son Bill and Bryce Clark, Brantford: Bill said, “The money's going to a good place. It's a good ride.” And Bryce noted, “We’re here to support the community and it’s a good reason to get on the bike.”

Billy Groves, a Lansdowne graduate, was there with his mom, Willy Groves, and nephew Parker. Billy picked up an event T-shirt. Willy said that Parker especially was excited to come, “He wanted to go see the motorcycles … anything with motors, he's all over it.” 

Ray Makenbach and Gina Casuccio, Brantford: After the ride, Gina said, “It was great; it was amazing. It was my first charity ride for Lansdowne, and my first as a group.” It was Ray’s second year attending the Charity Motorcycle Ride, but Gina had actually been the one to invite him to attend. “She was ahead of it,” he said.

Rick Sullivan, Port Dover: It was his first year attending. After the ride, he said, “It was good. The group I ride with was here last year, so I tagged along with them this year.”