Sirens hold charity motorcycle ride to benefit Women’s Community House
London Community News
By Mallory Clarkson/London Community News/Twitter: @MalloryClarkson
In an event organized by women for women, the Iron Sirens Riding Club for Chicks is looking to raise $1,000 through its first annual charity run Saturday (Aug. 18).
Jo Ann Newbery, Sirens secretary and co-captain, said the group decided to give all proceeds to the Women’s Community House, a beneficiary that fits with the club’s mandate.
“We were looking for a women’s cause that would match with our ideals and our desire to support women and empower women and to show women that women can be strong,” she said. “Women’s Community House seemed to fit the bill.”
The charity run will begin Saturday at Bellamere Winery (1260 Gainsborough Rd.) and ends at Major’s Restaurant (1130 Wilton Grove Rd.). Tickets are $25 and registration takes place between 9:30-10:45 a.m., with the ride beginning at 11 a.m.
A barbecue and silent auction will also be taking place at the final location at 1:30 a.m.
Christina Hopkins, Sirens president, said in total around 350-400 motorcycles will be participating in the event. She added the Women’s Community House not only matched the club’s ideals, but it also is a worthwhile cause.
“When they told us about the types of issues they deal with here and type of circumstances that women come here under, it’s definitely something that’s near and dear to all of our hearts,” she said. “We decided this was going to be our main supported charity.”
Hopkins started the club — something members refer to it as a sisterhood — in 2010. She did this after looking for a group of women who were interested in motorcycles and were pursuing it as a hobby.
Even though it started small, Hopkins said the club is now 200 members-strong and has four chapters throughout the province. It is also the only women’s riding club certified by the Ontario Confederation of Clubs.
Amy Holles has only been a member since February, but compared the club to a family.
“It’s an awesome thing to be a part of,” she said. Holles added she has a long history of needing the types of services Women’s Community House offers, as well as working with people on the streets. “It just right from the get-go felt like the right group because if that’s their message, that’s something I wanted to be a part of.”
The event is open to everyone who rides a motorcycle. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ironsirens.ca and click on charity ride.