YORKTON - The Rolling Barrage will once again be making a stop in Yorkton – this year on Monday, Aug. 14.
Founded by Scott Casey in 2016, the premise of The Rolling Barrage was to fight the stigma of PTSD and raise funds for programs or organizations that help Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, veterans, and serving and retired First Responders obtain treatment to live with the mental health injuries they received from their service to Canada and their communities.
The initial ride was celebrated in 2017, coinciding with the Canada 150 and the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Member of Parliament Cathay Wagantall, along with the Royal Canadian Legion’s General Alexandre Ross (Yorkton) Branch, have been welcoming participants of the cross-Canada ride to Yorkton since their first stop here in 2020.
“When I was contacted by Scott (Casey), in 2020 about this group planning a stop in Yorkton, it took only to find out what the purpose of the ride was for me to start planning, with assistance from members of the Yorkton Legion,” said Wagantall in a release from her office. “We are so fortunate that organizers of The Rolling Barrage continue to visit year after year, and the support from the community continues to grow year after year.”
The Rolling Barrage PTSD Foundation and The Rolling Barrage have evolved over the years and their purpose today is to generate funds to in turn, donate funds, services, and equipment to organizations and activities that are aligned with The Rolling Barrage PTSD Foundation’s goals and values. Both entities work to prevent the loss of life due to suicides of community members with PTSD through a renewed passion for life’s pleasures by virtue of conducting an annual coast to coast motorcycle ride.
For 2023, the City of Yorkton’s Fire Protection Services has joined in, and the Fire Hall will serve as the Yorkton’s destination for the riders. Led by the City Detachment of the RCMP, the riders will travel down Broadway Street at approximately 12 p.m. on Aug. 14 and will eventually make their way to the Fire Hall on Smith Street.
“Residents and the community are encouraged to show their support for the riders as they travel along Broadway, or during a short program and presentation at the Fire Hall which will begin as soon as they arrive,” said Wagantall in her release.
In addition to Yorkton Legion and Yorkton Fire Protection Service members, and the RCMP, MP Wagantall would also like to acknowledge the Yorkton Harley Owners Group, Yorkton EMS and the Yorkton & District Pipe Band for their support and contributions to the event.
“We are looking forward to welcoming these riders with a safe place to stop and stretch their legs, and to show them that they are supported on their journey,” said Wagantall.
Additional information about The Rolling Barrage can be found on their website at therollingbarrage.com
