Bikers advocating for children who have suffered from abuse rode their motorcycles around Central Alberta to raise awareness and show support to victims.
The Red Deer chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse began their sixth annual 100 Mile Ride at the Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson dealership on Saturday, May 17.
“We’re going to drive through a few small towns so they can see what we’re doing,” said the president of the Red Deer chapter, who goes by the name “Lefty.”
Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse remain anonymous, Lefty noted.
This is the 30th year for Bikers Against Child Abuse, which was founded in Utah.
“The 100 Mile Ride has historically been held on the third Saturday of May. The Red Deer chapter has kept that same weekend as well. It’s worked well for us, but there are other chapters that will do different weekends,” Lefty said.
Bikers Against Child Abuse’s mission statement notes that the organization exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children.
“We help abused children. We basically show up for them. There is a lot of doubt in their lives because of the stuff that they’ve gone through. A lot of people haven’t been there for them. We assign two members to support a kid as their primary contacts. Those bikers are ready to help anytime that kid is feeling afraid,” Lefty said.
This year’s event featured about 25 bikes, which is similar to previous editions of the Red Deer 100 Mile Ride.
The event brought participants through various communities, including Alix, Delburne, Penhold and Innisfail. The ride wrapped up at The Hideout in Gasoline Alley.
For more information on the organization, visit bacaworld.org.
