A small group of local bikers is looking to rev up some attention to the plight of abused children.
The 13-strong Prince Edward Island chapter of Guardians of the Children Canada formed in January 2017.
Jason Knockwood, president of the local chapter, says the bikers are ready to roll with a purpose into April, which is Child Abuse Awareness Month.
The group is organizing a blue-ribbon campaign which will see a tree decorated with blue ribbons at 509 Church St. in Alberton at noon on April 8. The public is encouraged to take part.
The Guardian of the Children Empowerment Ride follows on June 3 with motorcyclists encouraged to take part in the ride from Victoria By The Sea Provincial Park to the Abegweit Gas Bar in Scotchfort. Registration begins at noon, and the ride starts at 1 p.m.
Donations will be accepted to assist children who have been – or are being – abused.
“It’s a sensitive cause, of course,’’ notes Knockwood.
“Not everybody has the skin for it.’’
He feels one of the largest issues of child abuse facing society today is bullying. He believes a better job must be done educating children on how to interact with each other in a respectful manner and they must be more strongly encouraged to refrain from bullying behaviour.
Volunteers to Guardians of the Children Canada are bikers dedicated to protecting the victims of child abuse.
“Our alliances as bikers allows us to call upon resources that might not generally be available to the public at large,’’ notes the organization’s national website.
“All volunteers to this cause must obtain a criminal records check before they can be a part of this organization and they must own or have access to a motorcycle.’’
