A local initiative is driving a coast-to-coast event in support of those affected by Canada’s residential schools.
The Protectors of Youth Riding Club (PYRC), founded in Barrie with chapters also in Huntsville, North Bay, Ottawa and Hastings, is joining forces with Guardians of the Children International, Riders Protecting Children and North American Templars Canada to raise awareness and money for Indigenous organizations and centres.
An Indigenous flag designed and made by a PYRC Indigenous member in North Bay and a copper flask, half filled with water from the Atlantic Ocean, will make their way across the country. Upon arrival along the west coast, the flask will be filled with water from the Pacific.
“It started in Newfoundland last Saturday,” said Derek McLean, also known as 'Big D', founder and president of the Protectors of Youth Riding Club.
The ride is expected to arrive in Barrie for a rally in about two weeks, and will then continue on to North Bay.
“Each chapter is looking to raise money for their own local area,” likely through a GoFundMe campaign, and along the route and the rallies, said McLean. “We would love to see anybody at our rallies, supporting the cause, wearing orange… as well as riders wanting to join us.”
Information will be made available on the group’s Facebook page.
Organizers, who are encouraging other motorcycle riders to join the ride along the way, are putting together rallies in various cities as the flag and flask make their way across with the help of participating riders.
The four groups all work with abused and struggling children. The Protectors of Youth is a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who support bullied, abused and ill-fortunate youth and act as mentors, friends and protectors.
“We help out everywhere we can. Where we can hand out financially, we support other clubs,” said McLean, who is the founder.
The Barrie chapter started with Guardian of the Children five years ago and branched off into its own organization three years ago developing chapters in other Ontario communities.
Parents and legal guardians of children who could use assistance can contact the group through a hotline number and its Facebook page.
The motorcycle enthusiasts have done drive-by birthday parties, gathered at community events, taken them on outings and have attended court appearances to support children. There might be the odd motorcycle ride, too.
