Under clear blue skies, members from Locals 1000A, 175 & 633 took to the winding back roads of Southern Ontario on their motorcycles to raise awareness and funds in the fight against leukemia. A joint initiative of Local 1000A and Local 175 & 633, the Ride for a Cure took place on August 20, 2011 and drew 44 riders and passengers from across the province. Thanks to participants from both local unions, more than $15,000 was raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
The ride began in Woodbridge at the Local 1000A office and ended in Mississauga at the Local 175 & 633 office.
Rick Ivany, a steward at the Maple Grove Distribution Centre, called the Ride for a Cure “an excellent initiative.” “I was very happy to participate- I love motor biking and it’s such a great cause.”
Jo-Anne Simmerson and her husband travelled from Ottawa to participate in the event. “As a shop steward, it’s another way of supporting the union,” said Simmerson, who works at a Loblaws in Ottawa.
Local 1000A president Pearl Sawyer also thanked all those who took part in the event. “To all our riders, passengers, volunteers and sponsors, your participation, support and generosity ensured this event was a great success,” Sawyer said. “In particular, I want to thank the two Ride for a Cure coordinators, Diana O’Brien from Local 1000A and Dave White from Local 175 & 633, for their hardwork and dedication in putting this event together.”
O’Brien, a Local 1000A activist, said she was happy to see so many riders out this year. “We had a good turnout and we are hoping to be bigger and better next year.”
