Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Jun 15/01) - Inuvik Ride for Sight held their annual fund raising motorcycle trek over the weekend.
About 30 people took part, and nine motorcycles were involved. The group raised about $25,000 for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Last year's event raised about $12,000, and secretary Jo Whiteside was pleased with how things went.
"People were very generous this year. This is a very generous town," Whiteside said.
She said that the Ride for Sight group in the province of Nova Scotia held their event last weekend as well, and raised only about $11,000.
Coun. Garry Smith was one Inuvik Ride for Sight member who took part.
"This is probably my seventh year," Smith said. "It was great weather."
Usually Inuvik Ride for Sight members journey to Rock River, Yukon and back,
This time, however, they couldn't get that far because the Peel River ferry was not operating yet. Instead they camped just this side of the Peel River.
Whiteside said those taking part took in a lot of activities, including a potluck supper, a craft class and family and motorcycle games.
"We handed out trophies and medals to the riders based on the motorcycle games," Whiteside said.
"There was still chunks of snow on the campground, so a couple of the girls were building a snowman."
The group headed back home Sunday.
"We're a different ride up here. It's a very family oriented thing," Whiteside said.
"It's a unique ride in Canada, but it seems to be very effective."
