Since their ice maker broke down, third floor residents of the Battlefords District Care Centre did not have access to ice water on their own floor, so the Canadian Legion of Riders has stepped in and provided a brand new ice generator.
With $4,500 in funds raised locally, the local motorcycle enthusiasts were able to purchase the ice machine with enough left over to purchase three medical sheepskins for the comfort of residents, said CLR executive member Jack Tatchell Tuesday at the official presentation.
He added they appreciated Fisher’s Drug Store providing the sheepskins at a special price.
The Canadian Legion of Riders are “just local guys” who, over coffee after a motorcycle ride, decided to become an official entity that would allow them to benefit charities while they enjoy their passion for riding. They also wanted to provide a safe and social riding atmosphere for all riders, seasoned or new, no matter what they rode.
The “Original Nine” formally established as a group in 2006, with a focus on providing markers for North Battleford’s unmarked graves for war vets, and a close relationship with Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70.
The unmarked grave project has been concluded, but CLR is continuing its fundraising in order to put more back into the community.
There have been veterans cared for at BDCC in the past and no doubt there are vets still in residence there, said Tatchell, so it’s even more appropriate for CLR to help out.
CLR’s support of veterans dates back even before the group became official. Bernie Levasseur, Don Bush, Glenn Kulyk and Jim Giefer helped organize the first annual Ride for A Vet in 2002 with proceeds going to the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club in the first year and to the Legion’s unmarked graves project in the years following.
CLR’s “local guys” have set an example inspiring the Royal Canadian Legion to encourage branches across the country to establish their own Legion Riders groups.
You can find out more about CLR at www.canadianlegionofriders.ca, where there is also a members forum and a members swap and shop.
For more on the initiative the local riders have inspired, visit www.legion.ca/members/riders/.
