Riding with purpose in Summerside
Nearly 200 motorcycles hit the rolling, pastoral roads of Prince Edward earlier this month to remember a friend and help those in their community.
The Charity Memorial Ride 2011 in memory of Yvette Arsenault took place in Summerside on Sunday, Aug. 21. Organized by the PEI HOG (Harley Owners Group) Chapter, the ride aimed to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services in the city.
The ride is named for Yvette Arsenault, a woman from nearby St. Phillipe, PEI, who died in a motorcycle accident on the Island last August. The event also served as a tribute for Paul MacLean, who was killed in a motorcycle accident north of Charlottetown last spring. Organizers encouraged riders to make the ride personal and keep the thoughts of any lost loved ones in their minds.
A fantastic Prince Edward Island summer day greeted the 179 motorcycles that took place in the ride, raising just over $3,100.
The Salvation Army provided food for a barbecue, and even local Corps Officer Major Willis Drover got in on the action, going for a short ride before the event kicked off in earnest.
The ride left Credit Union Place in Summerside at 1 p.m. and returned four hours later.
Organizers were quick to thank the RCMP and Summerside Police who helped with traffic control, and the public at large for a very respectful treatment of the convoy.
Organizers of the Charity Memorial Ride in memory of Yvette Arsenault pose with representatives from The Salvation Army in Summerside, PEI, earlier this month. From left to right, Lea Schurman, Darlene Miner, Roger Caissie, Debbie Caissie, Majors Willis and Priscilla Drover, Corps Officers, and Marj Montgomery, Community and Family Services Coordinator.
