Motorcyclists raised a hefty chunk of change for Community Trust
Program Coordinator Jane Kali said Ride for the Trust raised $9777 at their event on August 10th. She said many bikers driving what she called “Swing riders” joined the south route. New this year was a northern route which met up with the south group at Millennium Park. Kali said it was a beautiful celebration, and served as good relationship building between permanent and seasonal residents. She said while it did start to rain in the morning, the weather held up later as the riders arrived.
Kali says Community Trust is locally owned and lead. While they say they receive no government funding, they have strong local fundraising. She says since May they have raised over $335,000 for the organization, all of which is community sourced. Kali says all the money goes into programs and staffing so they can move on to bigger and better things. Recently they asked the municipality of Hastings Highlands to donate land into a trust for affordable housing. She says the goal is to launch bigger and better programs to end poverty and create a safe and healthy community.
The Trust has more events lined up for the winter season. They hope to do something musical at the Arlington in February. However, while Kali says the money is good to have, bringing community together is more important. She wanted to thank all the supporters of the Ride, including United Way.