Veterans ride in Fundraiser

More than 35 motorcycle riders comprised of Canadian military veterans participated in the Marty Robillard Memorial Toy Run on June 4. They gathered outside Morinville’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 176 before rumbling onto the road at 10 a.m. for a 4-hour drive across Sturgeon County.

“This fundraiser is to help veterans, RCMP and their families if they are in need.  They all go through the PTSD along with everything else that they go through during their course of work,” said event organizer Deborah Robillard.

“This year all proceeds are going to the Morinville Legion Poppy Fund so people within our community have access to help. This can help them with whatever is necessary, whether it’s medical, or bills, or whatever they need.”

“This all started back in 2015 because my husband Marty wanted to do something for the community and he loved riding,” said Deborah. “That was his dream. He had a beautiful bike.” Marty Robillard was the owner/operator of Technical Automotives Inc., and his first ride event was called Christmas in June.

They raised and donated toys to the Midstream Support Society Santa Store. “All toys would go to them so at Christmas, families would be able to pick toys,” said Deborah. Marty passed away in November 2017 of hemochromatosis, and

Deborah was determined to honour his memory with the annual ride.

“Three years ago, the Sturgeon Crew for the UN and NATO Veterans

decided that they wanted to do a motorcycle run. They heard about ours and thought, ‘Well, why don’t we team up and do it together?’” said Deborah.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone showing up and being a part of this again.”