Motorcyclists – rev up your engines and join in the 9th Annual “HOG WILD” About Reading Motorcycle Ride for Literacy. On Sep 21, over 100 riders are expected to ride from Port Moody, BC, Canada to Harrison Hot Springs in an effort to promote literacy and raise money to buy new books for school libraries. Since the event started, in 2000, the fundraiser has brought in $87,000 to benefit the cause, and this year organizers hope to push the running tally over the $100,000 mark. Over 25 businesses sponsor the ride and individuals who donate $25 or more are entered into a draw to win a $1,000 vacation package. Global TV’s recent news coverage of the HOG WILD ride can be viewed here.

Christine Lauzon, principal of Banting Middle School, says the fundraiser has grown consistently since its first year, when a total of seven bikes lined up for literacy. “Each year it’s gotten bigger and bigger,” said Lauzon. “We raise books for our school libraries, and we have fun doing it! Those are our two goals.” Last year, Banting Middle School used money from the fundraiser to buy a “Remembrance Day” kit for the children, with books in English and French” said Lauzon, whose lime green helmet and boots match her custom-painted Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Registration starts at 8:30 am on the day of the event, at Moody Middle School, and participants can enjoy coffee and doughnuts until the ride kicks off, at 10:00 am. Petra Kintzinger, principal of James Park Elementary School, who will be riding her Yamaha, encourages residents along the route to come out and cheer the riders on: “It’s a lot of fun to watch. It contributes to the atmosphere—and it sounds great, too!”

Posted by: Corinne | This entry was posted on Saturday, September 20th, 2008 at 2:30 pm and is filed under Eventful World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Tags: "Hog Wild" motorcycle ride for literacy, children's literature events, literacy