Canadian Legion of Riders, North Battleford is hosting a Veterans Day Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70 parking lot. A $10 pledge buys breakfast in the morning and a burger later on. There will be a show and shine, draws and door prizes, kids' activities and an exhibition by one of Canada's premier stunt riders, Justin King. There will also be an appearance by Belt Drive Betty on her Cross Canada Conga. Belt Drive Betty, aka Renee Charbonneau, began publishing the Busted Knuckle Chronicles newspaper in 2003 for fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and has also launched a website. Her Conga will take her to 10 provinces, two territories and 83 communities over 91 days and more than 26,000 kilometres. Local riding clubs have been holding fundraising events as she crosses the country, with money raised going to three charities.
The first is Paws Fur Thought - the Long Walk to Sanity raising funds for 50 Dogs in 50 Days for 50 Veterans. A retired air force captain is walking to raise awareness and funds for service dogs for veterans, specifically for those with post traumatic stress disorder. Captain Medric "Cous" Cousineau (retired), tactical co-ordinator on a Sea King helicopter, was injured while on duty off Newfoundland in 1986 during the rescue of two American fishermen. The event was followed by serious mental health issues that have only recently been helped by his service dog, Thai. His goal is to get that kind of help to other veterans suffering from PTSD.
The second charity is VETS - Veteran's Emergency Transition Services - which provides aid and comfort to transient and homeless Canadian veterans by providing the essentials in emergencies, and assisting those at risk. VETS states, although there are no reliable statistics or studies accurately documenting the problem of veteran homelessness in Canada, many estimate the numbers to be in the thousands. This estimate does not take into consideration at-risk, "couch-surfing" veterans who have managed to avoid the street. With the heavy peacekeeping load of the 1990s and the war in Afghanistan, VETS fully expects to see an increase in veteran homelessness across Canada in the years to come.
The third charity is the Military Police Relay Ride for Blind Children, founded in 1957 and specializing in assisting visually impaired children up to the age of 21. The fund is operated entirely by Military Police volunteers and has no paid employees.
If you're looking for a good time for a good cause, Saturday is your day.
