Calgary Motorcycle Event to Benefit Fort McMurray Displacement

The Calgary Motorcycle Awareness Ride has always had more than one purpose. It's main goal, as the name suggests, is to raise awareness of motorcycles on the road and promote greater safety and friendliness between vehicles of all types on Calgary's roads and Alberta's highways. The event is also used to raise funds for local charities, establishing stronger bonds between the motorcycle community and the Calgary community at large.

Now in its 25th year, the ride's organizers say they've donated more than a million dollars to various worthy causes. This year, at least some of the proceeds from their charity fundraising will be used to help those displaced or otherwise affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires.

"You will never meet a more generous province in the country. When the floods were happening, people came and helped us," said organization leader Mick Cawthorn. "We will do everything we can do to help make it better for those people."

His is an attitude that embodies Calgary's spirit of community effort and Alberta's pioneering, independent streak. Though the two might seem at odds to outsiders, those of us fortunate enough to call Calgary and Alberta our home know that pulling together is the best way for us to each live the life we want, defined on our own terms, whether that's on the back of a motorcycle, behind a defence lawyer's desk, or living in the rural woodlands despite the threat of nature rearing her head every now and then.

The ride and fundraiser took place this past Sunday, May 15th. Donations to assist those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires can be made via the Canadian Red Cross here.