Kawartha Charity Riders host virtual Poker Run to support COVID response at RMH

KIM COULTER, Communications Specialist, Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation

As a community-based riding club, assisting families and organizations in the Kawartha Lakes, the Kawartha Charity Riders encourage members to ‘add meaning to your ride’. With COVID-19 complicating events, they had to add some creative thinking, too. The KCR’s 2020 Poker Run, on June 26th, 27th and 28th, was a virtual event. Members still hit the roads, travelling to identifiable checkpoints around the City of Kawartha Lakes, but instead of being handed a card at each stop, riders took pictures at the checkpoints and posted them to the KCR Facebook page, which generated their card. The virtual ride was so successful, KCR president Joey McLaughlin said other groups are adopting the idea, so their own events can continue. The participants did more than raise funds through their ride. With winners donating their prize money back to the event, KCR was able to donate $500 to the Heroes at Heart appeal, supporting COVID related equipment and technology needs at Ross Memorial Hospital. “We’re grateful to the Kawartha Charity Riders for turning their event into a fundraiser for the Ross,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “Members of the KCR set a great example, showing us how we can do what we love and do some good at the same time.”