Yellowknife (Jan 17/07) - Two local military men have started a local chapter of a national organization, and the first project they've tackled is to raise money to send care packages to soldiers who have been wounded in Afghanistan and are recovering in a German hospital.

"These people are arriving at the hospital with nothing but the uniforms they were wounded in," said Chuck St-Charles of the Yellowknife chapter of CAV, a national organization of military veteran motorcycle enthusiasts.

Dave Norris, left and Chuck St-Charles of the Yellowknife chapter of CAV, an organization of veteran military motorcycle enthusiasts, show the organization's colours. - Peter Crnogorac/NNSL photo

"The packages contain necessities such as toothpaste, clothing and soap," added Dave Norris, president of the Yellowknife chapter of CAV.

The national CAV initiative for the wounded soldiers has so far brought in 33 care packages valued at $100 a piece. Of these packages, 14 have come from the Yellowknife CAV initiative.

"The generosity of the people in the North has been unreal," said St-Charles, who also is a member of the Canadian Rangers.

Norris said that the Yellowknife chapter of CAV has been given support from many people and organizations in order to purchase the packages.

Some of the contributors were Gastown LTD., Corothers Home Building Centre, Summit Air Charters, McKay Electric, Dr. David Wong, Corrie Layher, Margot Layer, Polar Tech Recreation, Fort Simpson high school and Ken Bridges.

St-Charles said that CAV was set up by Second World War veterans who came together to support one another and share their love of motorcycles.

"We're here to support the troops, remember the veterans and have fun with our motorcycles," St-Charles said.

The Yellowknife chapter of CAV has been in existence for a few months, and so far St-Charles and Norris are the only members; something that may soon change.

"We're looking at a few people to become members," said Norris. "You don't have to be in the military or a veteran to join, but you have to be a supporter of veterans and a lover of motorcycles."

St-Charles said that they have a screening process before accepting a member.

"We don't take just anyone," he explained.

St-Charles added that veterans should be respected in Canada for their contributions to our lifestyle. "These guys fought to give people the right to complain about soldiers who fight," he said.