Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Barrie Construction Association (BCA) hosted the Rowdy Ride for Mental Health June 18, raising over $14 000 – the highest amount ever.
The motorcycle ride, named to honour Rob Desroches, a long-time supporter of the BCA’s annual motorcycle Ride for Charity raised money or youth mental health with all proceeds going to the Canadian Association for Mental Health.
Rob’s nickname was Rowdy and the event has been named “to honour him and the support he gave over the years.”
“We had a late start and we were very worried about turnout – a concern that grew as the forecast was for high winds,” said BCA Executive Director Alison Smith.
“In spite of fewer than normal participants, we managed to increase the donation largely on the efforts of two participants – John Goodlad who annually raises in excess of $5,000 in donations and Pauline Laurin, widow of Rob Desroches.”
The BCA charity ride supported the Canadian Cancer Society, raising over $85,000 before switching the focus to mental health this year.