Military Police host national ride to raise money for visually impaired children

Nearly 300 riders are taking part in the world’s longest annual motorcycle relay, which takes riders from one coast of Canada to the other, this year.

The annual Military Police National Motorcycle Relay (MPNMR) kicked off in Victoria, BC this week. The cross-Canada relay raises funds for visually impaired children.

“The Canadian Forces Military Police take pride in leading this annual relay that has contributed so much to helping meet the needs of visually impaired children in Canada. Each year, thanks to the contributions of people across this country, the Military Police National Motorcycle Relay helps improve the lives of visually impaired children and their families,” said BGen. Robert Delaney, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and Commander Canadian Forces Military Police Group.

Since 2009, the Relay has raised more than $480 000 on behalf of the Military Police Fund for Blind Children and other charities.

The annual Relay was founded as a way to build camaraderie amongst Military Police motorcycle enthusiasts, but is now open to anyone who wishes to ride.

The Military Police Fund for Blind Children was established in 1957. It specializes in assisting visually impaired children up to the age of 21 and is entirely operated by Military Police volunteers.

“It’s an honour to lead the Military Police National Motorcycle Relay and help raise funds for the Military Police Fund for Blind Children. This is an experience that is unforgettable as a Canadian and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. I am filled with pride when I think about the work we are all doing to raise funds for visually impaired children everywhere,” said Petty Officer Second Class Tony Brooks National Chairperson for the Military Police National Relay.

This year’s 300 participants will each drive a leg of the race, either for a few days at a time, across a province, or the entire ride. The Relay will take participants through Canadian Armed Forces bases and points of interest along the way.

These stops include Victoria, Squamish, Kamloops, Golden and Jasper in British Columbia; CFB Edmonton and CFB Cold Lake in Alberta; Dundurn in Saskatchewan; CFB Shilo in Manitoba; Kenora, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie, CFB Borden, CFB Trenton and Ottawa in Ontario; CFB Valcartier in Quebec; CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick; Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island; Halifax in Nova Scotia; and Gander

The riders are expected to arrive in St. John’s, Newfoundland on Aug. 23.