THUNDER BAY - It may not be your run of the mill biker gang, but motorcyclists can be a people of faith, too.
On Saturday, it was without question as members of a motorcycle ministry spent part of their long weekend raising money for a local community organization.
After a successful first year, the second Bikers for Christ ride featured about 50 bikers and raised over $7,000, which will go towards the Hope House program.
Hope House is a women’s discipleship program run under Teen Challenge, a women’s long-term addiction recovery program.
Bikers for Christ organizer Tom Thompson said the ride has been a stressful but rewarding experience.
“It was nerve wracking last year, and it was nerve wracking this year, as it goes with any event. But how can you not want to help someone give up life-changing addictions?”
“I’m hoping it will be around for a long time and I’m hoping it will make a major impact. Any little part it will help,” Thompson said.
Jennifer Ahuja, program director for women's ministries at Adult and Teen Challenge Hope House, said the partnership with Bikers for Christ has been crucial to maintaining funds, and supporting the woman of the program.
“We don’t receive any government funding. So all of our programs rely on donations,” Ahuja said.
“An event like this is big even for the women already in our program to see the community supporting them. Drug and alcohol addiction in our area is a massive problem and for women there’s not a whole lot. Our home is an important part of the fabric of recovery in Thunder Bay, so we’re thankful for the support.”
The riders set out on a route that will take them as far as Sistonens Corner, and back towards the heart of the city at Canadian Tire on Fort William Road.
Donations can still be made online at teenchallenge.tc/ridetofreedom.
