Thank you to those who joined us at the 1st Annual Motorcycle Poker Run fundraiser! We were thrilled to launch a new fundraising event this year for BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, with funds targeted towards our Guide and Service Dog programs.
Participants played a charity poker game by riding to five partnering Royal Canadian Legion Branches and drawing a playing card at each one, finishing with a complete hand at the end of the run. The ride started at Ladner Legion Branch #61 with a pancake breakfast. Volunteers and Service Dogs in training greeted the riders at each stop and distributed snacks donated by Tsawwassen Thrifty Foods.
Radio sponsor Rock 101 welcomed everyone back to the finish line celebration at the Tsawwassen Legion Branch #289 with music and gifts, and the riders enjoyed a BBQ lunch and Dilly Bars courtesy of Ladner Dairy Queen.
Riders also listened to military Veteran Matty Thornley speak about how PTSD Service Dog Monty enabled him to transition back into his community, “Monty and the Healthy Community Living Program offered by VICD helped me leave my house for the first time in almost 2 years,” said Thornley. VICD, which stands for Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs, is now a division of BC Guide Dogs, having amalgamated with the organization at the end of 2018.
A bagpipe performance from young pipers Evan Jamieson and Cameron Bonar served as a fanfare for the winners; the grand prize went to Jessica Coldwell with four sixes, followed by Mel Beaton with three aces, and Colin Laurivier with three queens. Laurie Maitland won the losing hand prize with a smattering of lower valued cards.
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs would like to recognize the five Royal Canadian Legions for being the stops on the route: Ladner Legion Branch 61, Cloverdale Legion Branch 6, Aldergrove Legion Branch 265, Crescent Beach Legion Branch 240, and Tsawwassen Legion Branch 289. They would also like to thank sponsors Rock 101, the Delta Optimist, IDEXPERTS, BC Fresh, Tsawwassen Thrifty Foods and Dairy Queen Ladner for their generous support.
Photo Gallery by Arturs Feists Photography
Photo Gallery of the Motorcycle Poker Run
Thank you to our Sponsors
