Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
A pack of motorcyclists did its part for the #CamdenStrong cause on Saturday, hosting a fundraising ride through Greater Napanee and barbecue in the parking lot of the Strathcona Paper Centre.
All proceeds from the event will go toward Camden Arthur, a local boy who is battling cancer.
“My club and I decided to do something to try and help (the Arthur family) out because they’re off work for a year and making weekly trips to Toronto,” said Robin Vance, whose Canadian Independent Riders club helped organized the event as well as members of the Kingston-based Guardians of the Children. “We just stepped up to the plate and did what we could to help out.”
Vance said he was moved to help as Arthur’s father was a coach for his son’s minor hockey team.
“We’re just trying to help out because he’s put so much back into the community,” said Vance.
The event started with a group of about 15 motorcyclists leaving the SPC, travelling along Centre Street, around to the Loyalist Parkway, through Camden East and back to SPC.
Once they returned, they hosted a charity barbecue while kids waved signs at the side of the road to attract passersby. All the materials for the barbecue were donated, allowing all proceeds to go to the Arthur family.
“Bikers and truck drivers have got big pockets when it comes to helping someone in need,” added Vance.
Anyone interested in supporting the cause can search #CamdenStrong on Facebook to find out how to get involved.
*This story has been updated to reflect the fact that members of Guardians of the Children were also involved with organizing the fundraising the event