More than 40 motorcyclists and seven cars came to Fraser River Heritage Park on Sunday to help raise money for the Mission Hospice Society.
The fourth annual Ride For Hospice attracted more participants than ever before as riders collected pledges and participated in a two-hour ride across the valley into Agassiz and Chilliwack before returning to Mission.
“We did have an increase in participants this year, which is promising because we want to grow this into a huge event,” explained Angel Elias, executive director of the society.
She said the one-day ride went well with nothing but positive feedback from participants and sponsors.
“I spoke to every single rider and they all said they really enjoyed themselves and will definitely be back next year, hopefully with a bunch of friends.”
Local sponsors supplied prizes for participants to win and the Elks Club provided lunch for all participants.
All of the proceeds raised by the event goes to support the Mission Hospice Society’s children’s program.
“We send 15 kids to the Zajac Ranch, with no cost to the family, and we have to be able to sustain that. This is one of the events that really helps.”
While pleased with the event’s success, organizers are always trying to modify the ride in hopes of attracting more and more participants. This year, there was a poker run aspect added as riders collected cards at various spots along the way. Whoever created the best hand, won a prize.
Elias said she is already planning for next year’s event and more changes are likely.
“The end goal is to have 100 bikes and 100 hot rod cars and make it into a show and shine as well. That way the public can come out and enjoy the event too,” said Elias.
A final total on what was raised has yet to be determined as Elias said they are “still crunching numbers.”