Winnipeg Police Association - 15TH ANNUAL MANITOBA MOTORCYCLE RIDE FOR DAD SETS NEW FUNDRAISING RECORD

May 27, 2023, the Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad (MRFD) celebrated its 15 TH Ride and attracted 1,251 registered riders. Funds raised totaled over $500,000 – a new record – bringing the 15-year fundraising total to over $4 million dollars. Proceeds stay in Manitoba for prostate cancer research and education.

"The Winnipeg Police Association is proud to support the Ride for Dad and congratulates all organizers, volunteers and pledge donors for this year’s record-breaking Ride," said Cory Wiles, President, WPA. "For 15 years, the Ride for Dad has raised significant funds for prostate cancer research in Manitoba and just gets bigger and better each year."

Starting from Earls Polo Park, motorcycle riders rode west in a police escorted parade down Portage Avenue to Assiniboia Downs, then north to Selkirk, Gimli and back. The day-long event culminated with a wind-up celebration at Cowboys, Canad Inns Windsor Park.

"The outpouring of support from Manitobans this year was incredible," said MRFD co-chair, Kirk Van Alstyne. "We are so very grateful to our riders, pledge donors, sponsors, media partners and volunteers. Special thanks to our new national partner, BMW Motorrad and regional presenting sponsor, PlayNow."

Guest speakers for the official start were Audrey Gordon, Manitoba Minister of Health; Scott Halley, Deputy Chief, Winnipeg Police Service; Jarrod Hall, Inspector, RCMP; Cory Wiles, President, Winnipeg Police Association; Tom Bilous, President, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg; Christian Schmidt, Chief, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service; Danielle Rice, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries; Moe Sabourin and Kirk Van Alstyne, MRFD co-Chairs; and Ed Johner, MRFD spokesperson.

Top fundraisers for 2023 are:
1. Tim Fawcett - $17,843.00
2. Brad Van Wyck - $16,572.00
3. Tony Kusiak - $14,981.00
4. Bill Brokke - $12,819.80
5. Hank Hildebrand - $12,208.00

A motorcycle raffle contributed to the final fundraising total, netting over $50,000. The winner will receive their choice of a 2023 Harley-Davidson Pan American Special or a 2023 BMW R1250 GSA – or $25,000 cash.

The Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad is led by the Winnipeg Police Association with the volunteer organizing committee made up of Winnipeg police officers, community and business leaders, and dedicated citizens.