Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to rev up their engines next week and ride in support of the Amanda Todd Legacy Society and programs supporting youth.
On Sunday, July 27, bikers, including Allan Plett, a Canadian Army veteran and retired paramedic, will turn out for the ride from the Port Coquitlam recreation complex to Trev Deeley Motorcycles in Vancouver to take a stand against bullying.
This is the second annual Bikes Against Bullying event and Plett said it's important to participate because bullying is a problem everywhere - and not just for young people.
"We're standing together to show leadership," said Plett, who expects a number of other members of the Agira Unit of the Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit to participate in the ride.
This year's event is expected to be bigger and better than last year's, according to Carol Todd, who started the Amanda Todd Legacy Society with a group of supporters last summer as a way to channel energy and resources to programs supporting youth after her daughter died.
Amanda Todd was a Coquitlam high school student who committed suicide after posting a video about her tormentors. In April, B.C. RCMP laid charges against a 35-year-old Dutch citizen in connection with online sexual extortion of her and other youth.
Carol Todd, a teacher in School District 43, is on her way to New York City this week for an appearance on NBC Nightly News but said she will be back in time for the Bikes Against Bullying event.
Money raised will be used to raise awareness about bullying and also support programs such as Access Youth Services Society, which runs a bus serving at-risk youth in the Tri-Cities and Langley, the Kids Help Phone and the Boys and Girls Club.
"For me, it's about raising awareness," she said. "It's about having a conversation and getting people to look at the issue and continuing to work on it."
What's happening
Bikes against Bullies
10 a.m. opens at the Port Coquitlam recreation complex, ride starts at 11 a.m. and ends at noon at Trev Deeley Motorcycles, 1875 Boundary Rd., Vancouver, where there will be a barbecue, a raffle, a jumpstart simulator, live performances, speeches and a photo booth.
Facebook: BikesAgainstBullies
Twitter: @werehere2help
