The Military Police Fund for Blind Children (MPFBC) is doing more than just providing youngsters with the ability to see, they are giving them self-confidence.
The MPFBC is the only recognized military police charity. Since it's inauguration in 1957, it has been funding the tools necessary to help children struggling with vision issues.
Over the course of four-weeks, a group of motorcycle riders travels from coast-to-coast, visiting military bases along the way, raising awareness and funds for their cause.
Their stop in Cold Lake is special, because not only are they given room and board, but also the local military police force steps it up a notch, with the MPFBC Poker Run.
“We have one of the highest community fundraising for this event. We probably collect the most money across Canada because we host the poker run. Most of them just host a barbecue for the national riders, but the poker run is really where we collect money,” said event organizer Cpl. Travis Cowan.
Saturday, Aug. 5 was the poker runs ninth year. Twenty-two participants hit the three-hour tour of the Lakeland all for a good cause.
Starting in Cold Lake, riders travelled what Cowan described as “oil country.” Heading out from the Airforce Association building, they had their choice in terms of which direction to head, all they had to do was hit the card stops along the way.
“The whole reason behind it is to help support our MPFBC, which is our charity. The reason we put so much work into organizing an event like this is because we're trying to generate as much funds and awareness for the MPFBC,” expressed Cpl. Spencer McTavish, organizer.
Last year, they raised over $13,000 for the MPFBC.
“I think it's a great function. There's no emphasis on how much we have to raise, it's just come out, spend a day on the road, and just enjoy,” Cowan noted.
Cowan and McTavish agreed that they believe it is the strong sense of community that makes their event so successful each year.
This poker run is just a small portion of a nation-wide tour known as the MPFBC National Motorcycle Relay.
It takes almost a month for the riders to make their way across the country. Taking part in the national tour for the first time were Don Morris, Craig Thomson, and Lamont French.
Their journey began on Sat. July 29, by dipping their tires in the Pacific Ocean. It will end in St. John's, Newfoundland, on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
What makes the rally unique is that it's the only recognized charity of the Canadian Forces, said French.
Although it's a military-based charity, everyone is welcome to join the ride.
“It's not limited. If you're a veteran, you're welcome, but it's open to anyone who believes in and is passionate about what we're doing,” French noted.
The same goes for funding. Anyone in need is encouraged to reach-out to the organization.
French said, “A lot of people are not aware that the MPFBC is for any visually challenged child from newborn to 21 years of age. The fact that we're military based is because that's where it all started. The idea is to give money to any child that needs it.”
But, the need goes beyond equipment, he explained. The funds are for children who also need something to boost their self-confidence.
“It's not just necessarily about equipment. If you have a visually challenged child that wants to learn to play the piano or wants to do something special to give themselves some self-confidence so they can then move forward with their lives, that's what it's all about. It's not always about vision alone; it's all about giving them that self-confidence.
Since 2009, the rally has raised over $500,000, stopping mostly at military bases scattered across Canada.
Being able to be a part of the rally is important to the three riders.
Thomson and Morris agreed that it's the cause and the camaraderie that has them gassing up their bikes for the big ride.
“Making a difference in the lives of children is truly a blessing. If you can do something that either helps them feel better about themselves to the point that they can then go out into the world and make a difference, is an incredible feeling,” expressed French.
