Articles
Bikers Against Violence
- Details
- Category: Blog
- Published: Wednesday, 26 August 2015 10:50
“Let the sounds of the engines roar in harmony and intensity against domestic violence”
2015 Cruise Don’t Bruise Motorcycle Ride Against Violence
Click here for photos of the event.
I’m always inspired by those who survive great challenges and then go on to not just survive but to help others get through similar challenges. An example is JiJi, the keynote speaker at the 2015 Cruise Don’t Bruise – Bikers against Violence event on Saturday, August 22. She is a survivor of domestic violence, having endured 7 years in an extremely abusive relationship that physically and emotionally harmed herself and her children to the point where she herself almost died. She talked about the struggle between being close to death and happy that it would all be over soon against the pull to fight and stay alive for her children who were screaming and crying with one under her bed, praying to God. JiJi spoke about an inner strength that changed everything, a resilience to protect life above all, her own and her children’s.
An interesting point she made was that she sees two types of heroes: - the one who survives and keeps on standing in spite of it all and the person who gives a helping hand – the counselors, the social workers, the volunteers, the nurses, the doctors, the police officers who listened and believed the story of the abuse and helped And, on August 22 the heroes were the bikers who took the time to not simply ride for the pleasure of riding but to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and to contribute financially towards the programs that the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre runs.
This was the 6th annual Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre Cruise Don’t Bruise – Bikers Against Violence motorcycle ride with funds raised going towards the Centre’s Programs against abuse: for women, children who witness the violence and seniors experiencing elder abuse. This year 208 riders participated as individuals or from various clubs, the largest groups being the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers and the Windsisters. The Centre raised approximately $20,000 from all fundraising sources surrounding the ride (final amount being tallied).
Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make this event such a success!
