Alzheimer’s 10th Annual Ride for Mom is coming up

By Susan Hofforth

Ten years and going strong! It’s the 10th anniversary of the Ride for Mom in support of Alzheimer’s disease. Terry Wise and Joanne Belke began the ride to raise money in honour of their mothers who were both afflicted and died of this horrible disease. Wise’s mother’s death led to his desire to help. Belke joined when her mother was diagnosed. Her mother has, sadly, succumbed to the disease since last year’s ride.

In the past years, the ride has raised over $100,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, with the money spent on education and support services. This year, they want to meet or beat last year’s total of $14,000.

The event this year consists of a motorcycle ride from Al’s Sports Quest in Whitecourt to the Rochfort Bridge Trading Post and back again. There will be a barbecue at Al’s and a 50/50 draw starting at 10 in the morning on May 9. The bikes leave at noon.

One of the big fundraisers of this event is the raffle. There are many prizes to be won including gift certificates and a home-made quilt. If you would like to purchase tickets for the raffle or make a donation to it, please contact Terry Wise at 780-706-9436 or Joanne Belke at 780-706-6861. You can also purchase tickets from Mountain Pizza or watch for them being sold at various locations around town. They are usually found at IGA on the weekends.

“Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease.” said Wise and Belke. “Please help us stop any more families from going through the heartache we have, and let’s raise some money to fight this horrible disease that robs people of their minds, and families of their loved ones.”