May 30th 2010, is the 13th annual BAD Ride (Bikers Against Distress) in Southern Ontario. This will be my first year taking part in this event but I will be helping out as a bike handler for MotoLimo.com. I will be following the riders in my truck, ready to pick up any riders who may find themselves…in distress (sorry…I had to say that).

The ride will begin at the AMC Theatres near HWY 400 & HWY 7 and will end at the Markham Fairgrounds. Come on out for a great day of riding followed by a Live band, great food and a stunt show! For more information about the BAD Ride and to register, please check out this link: www.thebadride.com

The vision of the BAD Ride is to ensure every individual in need receives life-sustaining emotional support. 100% of the money raised by riders on all of the B.A.D. Rides to date has gone directly to the Distress Centres, supporting ongoing pro­gramming and many new initiatives that have enhanced access and addressed identified gaps in community services.

Through the generosity of riders, their supporters and corporate sponsors meant that almost $210,000 was raised last year to support the services of Distress Centres. On behalf of those in need, please accept our sincere gratitude. You rock! We are proud to remind – 100% of the monies raised by riders goes directly to support the work of Distress Centres.

Since 1967, Distress Centres has been providing an around-the-clock emotional safety net for com­munity members who are socially marginalized, distressed, in crisis, victims of violence or suicidal. Last year, more than 120,000 calls were answered on our help lines. Through our Survivor Support Program, hundreds of other individuals received face-to-face grief counseling in the tragic aftermath of a death by suicide or homicide. Distress Centres was also able to provide service to countless pro­fessionals, organizations and concerned citizens through the training and consultation provided by our Community Outreach Program. Each and every service is provided free of charge to partici­pants.