Sisterly love for victims
TOWNSVILLE’S motorcycle community is revving up support for flood-affected Townsville residents through the staging of a charity ride and fundraiser.
The event, to be held at the Mansfield Hotel on March 2, is being run in partnership with all-female motorcycle group Sisters on Steel (Social Motorcycle Club), the Freedom Riders and the Ville Vixens.
Sisters on Steel spokeswoman Maree Bennett, 47, said 100 per cent of the funds would be given to the Salvation Army, for it to distribute where help was most needed across the community.
“We know it’s a short time frame but we wanted to do it soon so it’s fresh in the community’s mind … and people need help,” Ms Bennett said. “We want to make as much money as possible for our community.”
Ms Bennett said she had lived in Townsville for 47 years and been a part of the Sisters on Steel group for the past three years.
She said she has never seen an event quite like the recent Townsville floods.
“It’s something you see on television in other places … even the night of Noah was nothing like this.”
“We weren’t affected directly but we know people who were … you can just see how awful it was.” Ms Bennett said registration will begin at the Mansfield Hotel at around 12.30pm and the charity ride will commence about 2pm.
“We will be doing a charity ride and then ride back to the Mansfield Hotel on Flinders St for three live bands, raffles and prizes. “We have already had some great businesses come on board with some great donations for raffle prizes.”
Experienced riders are encouraged to come along for the ride, while those wanting to join in the pub fun a little later are welcome to come to the Mansfield Hotel about 4.30pm. The event is open to the public for a gold coin donation while bike hire will cost $25.
Ms Bennett said the motorcycling community is often one of the first to put its hands up when it comes to supporting others, with a history of advocating for other important causes. “We raise awareness for domestic violence and advocate for women and children in homelessness situations.”
For more information, residents are urged to visit the Ride for Relief Facebook page.