Helping Those In Need

by John Stumpner

Some of the general public views bikers as people who like to break laws and only care about themselves. But the real truth is far different, as many of you already know. Bikers are among the most generous people in the world. Every year, thousands of bikers are out giving time and money to all kinds of different charities, especially those charities that benefit children.

Almost any weekend during riding season, bikers will be having some sort of motorcycle ride or event. Most of these events are fundraisers for various charities. The charities vary all across many worthy causes including military veteran support, funding medical research to find cures for diseases, and of course, all sorts of children’s charities. If there’s a worthy cause, some bikers somewhere are supporting it.

Late in the riding season, many bikers hold “Toy Runs.” Instead of giving money, bikers collect toys. The collected toys are then given to charities which will give the toys to families in need at Christmas. Some biker groups will also sponsor one or more children in need through organizations such as the Christmas Clearing Council.

One year, some of the members of one of the more notorious motorcycle clubs took direct action to help some needy children at Christmas. Club members camped out in front of the local Walmart for the annual Black Friday sale. When the store opened, the bikers went in and bought every bicycle in the store. These bicycles were then given to local Christmas charities to be given as Christmas presents to children from needy families.

If you ever hear someone making fun of or talking badly about bikers, just remember that bikers are among the most generous groups of people in the world. As ABATE of Wisconsin Junior Patriots, you too are part of that compassionate and charitable group.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.