Staff
Motorcyclists will be taking to area highways next Saturday (Aug. 28) for the local Alzheimer Society’s eighth-annual “Ride for Memories,” with this year’s ride ending in Kenora that evening.
Riders from across Northwestern Ontario are encouraged to get involved to collect pledges and enjoy a ride, said Alzheimer Society executive director Lynn Moffatt.
As of Monday, 65-70 riders had registered.
“We definitely want to encourage more people to register as soon as possible, and to get out there and start collecting some pledges, as well,” Moffatt remarked.
Riders can register for $20 (which includes a steak dinner) by calling 1-800-682-0245 or visiting rideformemories.com
Pledge forms also can be downloaded from that website.
There are four starting locations across the region—Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and here in Fort Frances.
Local riders will leave from The Harbourage at 8:30 a.m.
The public is encouraged to come by, check out the riders’ bikes, and wish them well.
Participants will meet for lunch at Totem Lodge in Sioux Narrows before making their way to Minaki and then returning to Kenora for a steak dinner at the curling club there.
Dinner tickets cost $20 each, which can be purchased online at rideformemories.com or by calling 1-800-682-0245.
Moffatt said the public is invited to the dinner, so even those not riding that day are encouraged to buy a ticket and attend.
Prizes for the top pledge-getters will be awarded at the dinner, as well as for the best poker hands (the ride also doubles as a poker derby).
“It’s a very exciting event for us,” enthused Moffatt. “We are raising funds to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. . . .
“It’s to help us provide and develop more services and programs for families.”
Moffatt said several Kenora motels have blocked off a number of rooms for riders who want to spend the night there Aug. 28.
Go to rideformemories.com for more info.
Last year’s ride raised more than $34,700. About 140 pledged riders participated in the ride, which culminated with a gathering in Red Lake.
In related news, the new cash calendars from the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River District are now on sale for $20.
They can be purchased at various locations in the area, including the Fort Frances Times office.
They also will be available this weekend at the Alzheimer Society’s booth in the exhibition hall at the Emo Fair, or can be order directly from the Alzheimer Society by calling 1-800-682-0245.
The calendars, which feature photos taken by photographers from the two district, are good from September, 2010 to August, 2011.
Moffatt said anyone wanting more information about the Alzheimer Society, and the services it provides, is encouraged to drop by the booth at the fair.
