Motorcyclists Gear Up to Make a Difference

The annual Ride for Dad (RFD) will fill up the streets of downtown Whitehorse on Saturday, June 7.

Hundreds of motorcyclists will gather for this full day event, which aims to promote awareness of prostate cancer. This year marks the 5th RFD in Whitehorse.

Leah Verishine is one of the board members for RFD.

“We have received so much support for this great cause,” she says. Verishine became involved with RFD because, “A lot of men just aren’t simply aware of all the health issues surrounding prostate cancer, or are reluctant to speak to a doctor about it.”

Last year RFD raised just under $50,000 between private and corporate sponsors.

“The great thing about RFD Yukon, is that all the money we raise stays in the Yukon,” Verishine says.

At the time of writing there were 20 people pre-registered, but another 100 are expected to register on June 7.

“We always have a super turn out each year,” she says.

RFD has other activities aside from the main ride, including a pancake breakfast after registration, followed by a parade through downtown Whitehorse.

After the parade, riders head out for the main ride, which Verishine describes as a “poker-run”.

“The riders will make their way to Tagish, then through Carcross, before heading back to Whitehorse,” she says. “There will be stops along the way, and riders will be able to collect stamps.”

Some checkpoints will feature live music and food.

Once riders return to Whitehorse, there will be a dinner and award ceremony for the poker run, and for the highest pledge earner.

Whitehorse Motors is hosting the dinner.

“This is the fifth year that we will be hosting the Ride for Dad,” says Tina Woodlan, general manager of Whitehorse Motors. “I really look forward to it, especially seeing all the cool and fancy bikes.”

On June 7, the Whitehorse Motors lot will be cleared to make room for all the bikes, for a show-and-shine before the parade. Despite all the excitement, business will continue as usual.

“We will be donating $50 of each new and used car sale throughout the month of June to Ride for Dad,” Woodlan says. “It is a very important cause to be involved with, and I think Ride for Dad really helps to promote awareness.”

As an added incentive, Whitehorse Motors is offering $500 gift cards or in-store credits to those who purchase a vehicle on June 7.

For more information visit, www.facebook.com/RideForDadYukon, or call the RFD hotline at 393-2663.

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