Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 03/99) - This is not the time of year to be thinking about firing up the motorcycle and heading down the highway. But it's a good time to dream about it.

Just ask Pat Guinan.

With yet another light dusting of October snow blanketing the streets of Yellowknife last Friday, Guinan was among the first in line at the Elks Club to buy a ticket to win a 2000 model year Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle.

The organization is raffling off a "hog" again this year. It's their second Father's Day raffle. Last year, they sold out tickets so fast the draw was held on New Year's Eve. Guinan says he'd love to win the bike.

Up until about five years ago, Guinan, who runs a small business in Yk, drove a Honda motorcycle around town.

"In the fall, I used to drive her up on two two-by- fours and take the battery out. When spring came, I put the battery back in and drove her out of the garage."

Moments before he bought a ticket on the bike, Guinan said he wanted to get one of the first tickets and one of the last tickets sold. Last year he figures he bought the, or his, last ticket several times.

But seriously, how many tickets did he really buy?

About $800 worth, was the response

Spending that kind of cash on the chance to win means is not just about the bike.

"I'm an Elk and it's a good cause," Guinan said.

Sure it'd be great to win, but when it comes to buying tickets for a local cause "you support it." Guinan's attitude fits right in with so many other Yellowknifers. In this city, when it comes to giving, it's involuntary -- like breathing.

Don MacDonald, chair of the draw, said proceeds will go to Stanton Regional Hospital Foundation. Audiology and palliative care will be the recipients.

As for the bike, MacDonald said the Elks will move it around to various spots but it will spend most of its time at the hall -- waiting for spring and when it speaks those classic Harley sounds.