By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Local bikers will be revving their engines for the region’s animal shelter, motoring across Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SDG) at the seventh annual Cash for Critters event, Saturday, August 23.
Riders with a soft spot for animals are scheduled to rally at the Nav Centre on Montreal Road in Cornwall at 9 a.m. before embarking on a two-hour journey.
“This Cash for Critters motorcycle rally has become one of our biggest summer fundraisers,” said Christine Russell, OSPCA fundraising committee member.
Riders all pay a minimum of $25 to be in the rally, helping to raise some funds for the animal adoption centre. The ride starts at 9:45 a.m. sharp.
Russell expects as many as 100 bikers to attend. After they return from their ride, a BBQ lunch and an opportunity to win door prizes will be waiting.
“We have a large group of repeat participants every year,” she said. “Even a dog who rides along safely in his side car.”
South Glengarry residents Brenda and Dean Sturkenboom rode for the OSPCA in 2013. The duo have been geared up ever since for the event’s return.
“There are motorcycles from as far as you can see all riding to support the critters in a camaraderie of friendship brought on by the same love of animals that we all share,” said Brenda.
The Sturkenbooms have made donations to the Cash for Critters event since its inception, but last year was the first year they actively participated.
“If the shelter does not have money to run then the homeless animals have no where to go – or the unfortunate animals that are in homes that are neglectful or abusive have no one that can help them out of their sad situation,” she said.
Russell noted that the importance of events like Cash for Critters isn’t always measured in dollars.
“It’s not just about the funds that are generated, but the information and message we are able to get across,” she said.
Other ways to make a positive contribution to the animal shelter are collecting and bringing in empty pop bottles, donating bags of shredded paper and used items to sell at their annual yard sale, and participating at fundraising events.
If you are unable to attend this hair-blowing event, make a donation online here.
For more information, visit www.sdg.ontariospca.ca or join www.facebook.com/OSPCAforSDG.