‘Ride for Memories’ coming up Sept. 6

Sunset Country’s highways will be filled with motorcyclists Sept. 6 for the local Alzheimer Society’s sixth-annual “Ride for Memories.”
Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of the Kenora-Rainy River District, said plans are coming together for the increasingly popular fundraiser, which this year will see riders converge in Dryden that evening.
The 152 participants from last year’s ride already should have received their registration packages while brochures/pledge forms are in the process of being distributed to various locations across the two districts.
Those who want to get information right away can call Schonewille at 1-800-682-0245 to have it faxed or mailed to them.
Something different this year is the route the riders will take. They’ll start off in their respective communities of Fort Frances, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Kenora (in Fort Frances, motorcyclists will meet at the Harbourage at 10:30 a.m.)
All riders then will drive to Rainy River for lunch.
“[The Town of Rainy River is] quite excited about us coming,” Schonewille said. “We’re going to have lunch at the Legion, and then the riders are going to take a little tour around town.
“People can see them do this before they head back to Dryden.”
From Rainy River, the motorcyclists will take Highway 11 back to Fort Frances and ride together through town around 2:30 p.m.
They’ll then continue eastward, taking Highway 502 to Dryden to end their day with a steak supper at the Best Western.
(Schonewille noted those who want to make reservations to stay at the Best Western should mention they’re on the “Ride for Memories” to get a special rate, which includes a hot breakfast the following morning).
As in past years, riders register for the event, collect pledges, and then turn them in on the day of the ride, which is a “poker run.”
Riders will get one card at the start, and the remaining four at the end of the run. They’ll also get extra cards the more pledges they get, and can purchase extra hands for a donation.
At the dinner in Dryden that night, a number of big prizes will be up for grabs for participants who collect the most pledges, as well as for the best poker hand.
There also will be a Chinese auction and commemorative T-shirts available to purchase.
Schonewille said she’s hoping the “Ride for Memories” will be even more successful than ever.
Last year, the ride raised about $32,000 for the disease that affects an estimated 364,000 Canadians over the age of 65. Just under $14,000 was raised during its first year in 2003.
< *c>Cash calendars
In related news, the Alzheimer Society will have a table at the Emo Fair and at Clover Valley Farmers’ Market next Saturday (Aug. 16) to sell the new cash calendars.
The calendar, which runs from September, 2008-August, 2009, features regional scenes photographed by shutterbugs from across the two districts.
The calendars cost $20 each and feature $12,000 in prize money.
(In September and January, the prizes are $75 every week day, and $40 every other month, with a few larger prizes interspersed throughout the year).
Schonewille noted the calendars are selling more quickly as the September start date nears. “Some people have been waiting to the last minute and I would suggest that they don’t wait much longer,” she warned.
You also can order a calendar by calling Schonewille at 1-800-682-0245.
The Alzheimer Society of the Kenora-Rainy River District is committed to provide educational and support services to people with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, their caregivers, and the general public.
The services include individual support, information and referral services, support groups, educational workshops, and a resource library.
Its mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals who are affected or who may become affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, and their caregivers.