A lot of biker groups are going to great lengths to buck the stereotypical biker image, and the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers (CMC) is proof of that.

The Sudbury chapter, more than 100 members strong, will be at the forefront of the Desjardins Roulons pour la Maison Wheels for Hospice fundraiser slated for Aug. 19.

The CMC was looking to get involved with an organization that makes a difference in someone's life, be it a member of the community or someone out of town, Donald Berthiaume, second officer of the Sudbury chapter 049 and a Desjardins Voyageur Credit Union, said.

“We found that opportunity in Maison Vale Hospice, an organization that does make a difference in people's lives, a place where people are able to pass on to the next life in a comfortable, caring setting,” he said.

In the past, motorcycle clubs would tend to be intimidating for the rest of society, he said. The CMC is not a motorcycle club, though. It doesn't have a clubhouse or a place where people meet.

“We're actually a riding group of older individuals from all walks of life, and we're out there to have fun riding our motorcycles and finding events to support,” he said. “Every community needs help, and this is just how we chose to do that.”

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association estimates that only 25 per cent of Canadians in need of hospice palliative care actually have access to it. Many people still do not have access to the care they need, and Maison Vale Hospice will continue to ensure that individuals facing end of life have access to quality hospice palliative care during their final days, Jennifer Grooms, marketing co-ordinator at Maison Vale, said.

“All our hospice events continue to have these three main goals,” Grooms said. “They include raising much-needed funds for hospice palliative care in our community, as well as raising awareness of the many issues related to hospice palliative care, and recognizing the phenomenal work done by volunteers and professionals in the field.”

The hospice must raise more than $700,000 per year to cover all its operating costs and to ensure that all its services remain free of charge for clients and their families, Grooms said. As such, the goal for this year is to raise $25,000.

Registration will begin at 10 a.m. on Aug. 19 and the bike run will begin at 11 a.m. from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine at 935 Ramsey Lake Rd. in Sudbury. Motorcycles will tour Greater Sudbury, while anyone on a bicycle looking to participate can tour around Ramsey Lake.

“The Maison Vale Hospice provides an invaluable service to our community with kindness and care,” Jean-Marc Spencer, executive director of Desjardins Voyageurs Credit Union, said. “Desjardins is very proud to be the title sponsor for Desjardins Wheels for Hospice.”

“Come out and support us,” Berthiaume said. “When there are pledge forms out there, please give. Every penny counts. Donations don't have to be big, even pocket change will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and support a very, very worthwhile cause.”

Across the country, CMC easily exceeds 5,500 members, he added. This year's event will bring in members from surrounding chapters, but it will be limited, because it's being held on a Sunday. Next year, the event will be held on a Saturday, allowing many more CMC members from across the entire country to travel to Sudbury and support the hospice, he said.

To support or to pre-register in the Desjardins Roulons pour la Maison Wheels for Hospice, pick up a pledge form at any Desjardins branch and then call the Hospice at 705-674-9252 to register a pledge form.

Posted by Arron Pickard