Whitecourt Ride for Mom in support of the Alzheimer Society broke records this year

 

Saturday, May 12 was a beautiful, sun-filled day. For two and three-wheeled enthusiasts it was the perfect day to hit the highway. Organizers of the 13th Annual Alzheimers Whitecourt Ride for Mom couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon for their event to take place. Whether due to word spreading or the spring weather, a record number of riders rumbled in to take part and it made the day that much more special.

“We just broke our record! We did it,” shouted co-organizer Joanne Bates Belke as a last-minute addition rolled up to the Al’s Sports Quest parking lot where the fundraiser barbecue and show & shine were taking place. She and fellow organizer, Terry Wise, had just started addressing the large crowd and were handing out prizes. Rider Jay Nicholls had no idea that his entrance would be so celebrated but he was very happy to help break a record and received a free car wash ticket as a bonus.

Terry started the fundraiser 13 years ago after losing his mother to dementia. “On a whim, I said, hey, my mom just passed away and I don’t want to forget her. I want to do this. Why don’t we go for a ride and see if we can raise money for Alzheimers?” When Mother’s Day approached the following year his friends asked if he would do the event again and he said, “Why not? Let’s go!” From humble beginnings, the event has now raised over $160,000 for the Alzheimer Society and is making a difference for many people. When asked if he ever imagined raising so much money, Terry said he still can’t believe it.

Close to 10 years ago, Joanne joined Terry in organizing the event as her mother was then suffering through the disease. Joanne lost her mother four years ago and they have supported each other both in their grief and wanting to honour their mothers. “It’s very dear to our hearts. It’s for our moms and that’s why we are here.” Having personally dealt with watching her mother slowly slip away and knowing what it was like to go through something so devastating, Joanne has decided to help those who are going down the same road. “This fall, I will be starting a support group in Whitecourt for the Alzheimer Society. I’ll be taking my last course in a couple of weeks and then I’ll be ready to go.”

With 1,000 raffle tickets sold (sold out!), over 100 burgers bought, the highest number of prizes ever (37), and the most riders to date, it’s clear that the event is reaching for the sky. “It’s been tough times for some of the years but all and all we remember our moms and that’s a good thing,” smiled Terry. Once everyone had full bellies and prizes were awarded it was time to hit the pavement. With police assistance at the stop lights, the entire group made their way to the highway for a cruise to Rochfort Bridge.

“From the bottom of my heart, I really want to thank the community. Thanks to Whitecourt and to Al’s Sports Quest for letting us do this here. We literally took over the entire parking lot today, curb to curb; it’s fantastic! To everyone who donated and volunteered, thank you! One hundred per cent of what we raise goes to the fund. Everything adds up,” said Terry.

“You can’t really fathom what this has become but that right there is why we do it,” said Terry, pointing to a spot on the counter inside Al’s where several pictures were displayed. Terry’s mom, Joanne’s mom, and even Al had a picture up of his mom. It was beautiful and very touching.

“Whitecourt and the surrounding community are amazing,” said Terry, as he pulled a big pile of 50/50 tickets out of his pocket. “These tickets right here were purchased by a group of people who were just out exercising on the hill. They came over and bought a bunch of tickets and gave them back to us and said, if any of these win, donate it back. I mean, that’s just absolutely amazing.”

This year’s event raised over $13,000 bringing the 13-year total to over $160,000 towards Alzheimer research and support.