Motorcycle club helps fund Soldier On

BY SABRINA BYRNES

Parlaympian athlete and army veteran Steve Daniel accepted a cheque on behalf of Soldier On recently, with money that was donated by Comrades MC.

Comrades MC is a motorcycle club that was founded by former members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and is based on showing their support for veterans past and present.

The club got underway this year and, through the months of July and August, money was collected in support of the Soldier On progam and the Hospital Comforts program.

Comrades MC held Monday night rides for anyone who wanted to tag along during these months, to bring awareness to the club, as well as collect donations for two programs.

President of Comrades MC, Brady Poirier, said it wasn't about collecting money, but about raising awareness and showing their support to the troops past and present.

From pocket change donations alone, $127.78 was collected. Comrades MC topped it off to an even $300. Chris Casola from Red Dragon Fight Club also donated  $150.

"Every little bit counts," said Daniel.

Daniel has benefited from the Soldier On program. The organization helped him acquire a boat so he could compete in rowing. He also received a wheelchair so he could participate in wheelchair basketball.

The Soldier On program was created in 2007 in partnership with the Canadian Paralympics Committee. It supports veterans with physical or psychological disabilities, so they can lead healthy active lives through recreation and sport.