OkotoksOnline/Harrison O'Nyons
A procession of motorcycles has departed for an annual cross-Canada ride.
The Rolling Barrage, now in its ninth year, is a cross-country ride that raises money for PTSD services for veterans and first responders.
They departed from St. John's, Newfoundland, on Monday (July 28) and are expected to finish the ride in Aldergrove, B.C., on August 16.
It has become an annual tradition in the towns the barrage passes through, with locals lining the streets to greet the procession.
"The outpouring of support across Canada to the Rolling Barrage has been just phenomenal," said the Rolling Barrage's reception coordinator, Rob Calvert. "In one of the towns we rode through, the firefighters were standing on the side of the road, saluting as we rode by. They get all the support from the RCMP. In Alberta, they get support from the sheriff's departments, where they are taken through the province with motorcycle-riding police or RCMP who stop traffic and keep them going."
Okotoks is no exception.
The Rolling Barrage rides down the hill on Veterans Way each year, and the Okotoks welcome has grown over time.
"The support from the community is just amazing in Okotoks," said Calvert, who is also the second vice president of the Canadian Legion Branch 291 in Okotoks. "The firefighters put one of their boom trucks over with a Canadian flag at the top of the hill on Veterans Way, we have the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides with the Rotary Club putting Canadian flags all down Veterans Way. It is just a stupendous welcome for them. And at the cenotaph at the bottom of Veterans Way, we have a flag party from the Legion, and we also have RCMP in Scarlets welcoming them to Okotoks."
Okotoks is one of the final stops on the annual trip, and the procession is expected to roll through on Thursday, August 14, between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
There are a few ways to make donations, including through sponsorships and online auctions.
"One of the nice things about the ride is that the funds they raise for PTSD actually stay in the province in which they raise those funds, which is great," explained Calvert. "It goes towards helping people cope with PTSD, get therapy for PTSD; anything that they need, that's what these funds are for. It's really been a big help for the first responders, ex-military, and anyone in emergency services who has ended up with PTSD. It's a godsend for these people."
Though it's not always an easy ride, Calvert said those who take part in the Rolling Barrage are happy to weather whatever comes their way in support of the cause.
"It doesn't matter if it's raining or hailing or if it's good weather or bad weather. They're riding through it all. They're riding in hot, hot days, they're riding in cold days. It's amazing what these guys put up with as far as the elements are concerned. Their hearts are so big."