The Ride for a Friend organizers and hard working volunteers would like to introduce you to The Watsons, specifically Scott and Ian!Watsons

Scott and Ian are 17-year-old twins. They were born at 30 weeks gestation weighing a little over 2 pounds each. As a result of being born so early the boys have several diagnoses. They are completely wheelchair dependent and suffer a seizure disorder, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, deaf blindness, non-verbal, and are completely g-tube fed. That being said they capture the hearts of everyone who meets them with their smiles and positive attitude.

Over the last few years they each have had several surgeries and have had to travel frequently to Toronto, often having to stay a while to see several specialists at Sick kids. Ian recently had to have spinal fusion surgery, which we’re thankful to report went very well.

The Watsons are a very active family and they love to spend time outdoors. This is especially important to Scott and Ian. Their biggest challenges revolve around mobility issues, especially in their home. Although they have spent a considerable amount of money to make their home accessible and usable for both Scott and Ian, they have fallen short with regards to a pathway and driveway. They have incorporated a ramp system along the driveway to accommodate wheelchair access; however the driveway is not hard surfaced to allow freedom of mobility for the boys to access the back yard and handi-transit services. With the boys soon turning 18, they’ll soon be men, and it is surprisingly challenging to maneuver their chairs on uneven or rough surfaces. If the Watsons could get their driveway paved or something similar it would allow easier access for Scott and Ian as well as the support workers that are required to visit their home, and would also allow for easier maintenance throughout the year.

We hope you’ll join us again this year, or for the first time, to help support a local family. Of course we expect to have a great time doing it!

 

RFAF poster

Welcome to the Sixth Annual Ride for a Friend. The Ride for a Friend organizing committee is proud to bring you the 6th Annual Hwy64 Charity Poker Run on August 18th, 2018.

This is a game, not a race, played out on the highways of Northeastern Ontario to raise money for local charity. We intend to make the Ride for a Friend Annual Charity Poker Run the premier Poker Run event in Northern Ontario.This year’s recipient is young Noëlville resident, four year old Charlie Lynn Fowler. 

The event will begin with registrations taking place at any of our Six "Checkpoints". Then you’re off to enjoy a scenic ride through the French River and West Nipissing areas along beautiful HWY 64. The run will conclude at the Beausejour Inn & Restaurant where participants will be entertained with live music.

All makes and models of motorcycles and classic cars and cruisers are welcome to participate. Money will be raised for Scott and Ian and their family through registration fees and pledges collected by participants.

Join us on Facebook, RSVP the Event, and invite your friends!!

We are once again very proud of our community for pulling together to help a child in need. Ride for a Friend continues to thrive thanks to our many sponsors and community members who support us. We can't thank you all enough. We are steadily making small improvements every year and we hope we can continue to enjoy your support as we begin to plan for the 2018 Ride for a Friend.