YORKTON — Operation Grind for Gunners – two guys biking across Western Canada to raise awareness and funds for the Gunner Peer Support Network, a charity of the Royal Canadian Artillery rolled into Yorkton Saturday.
Major Steve Sloat and retired LCol Robert Poirier – both avid long-distance bikers – began to think about a trip which would take them to all of the units and sub-units of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery in Western Canada including both Regular Forces and Reserve Units — 14 stops between their starting spot at mile zero in Victoria, crisscrossing the west to eventually finish in Kenora, Ont. Two of the stops were in Saskatchewan hitting Regina Thursday and then Yorkton.
“We talked about this trip last fall,” said Sloat.
Sloat said once they had decided to make the trek, they had been on the road for about 2,700 kilometres when they hit Yorkton and would cover about 4,000 by the trek’s end, they began to consider finding some charity to support along the way.
The Gunner Peer Support Network was a natural as it helps Canadian Forces members and their families in times of need. Sloat said the fund helps both regular and reserve forces, active and retired with a one-time grant of $500 which can be used for a variety of things. He said it’s not a solution to hardship, but can help with some immediate needs – for example a local reservist member received support in 2018 when he had a house fire.
In terms of raising funds the pair had eclipsed $5000 by the time they stopped in Yorkton – 10 people that money could support – with several stops still ahead.
“It’s great to get the word out there,” said Sloat.
As for the trip Sloat said “it’s been good. . . It’s been a great experience. It kind of rekindles your appreciation of the country.”
That doesn’t mean the trip has been easy.
“I knew it was going to be difficult,” said Sloat, adding he had had little mountain experience and that “was probably the big eye-opener for me.”
