The West Central Crisis Centre in Kindersley was given another special donation over the weekend. Members of the Original 9 Riding Association out of North Battleford made the trip down on Saturday to join their Kindersley chapter counterparts, and present a $1000 cheque to the local organization.

According to their Facebook page the Original 9 Riding Association is formerly known as the Canadian Legion Riders. They have a new name, but still chase the same goals of getting people together that love to ride, and raise funds for causes near to them such as veteran programs, boy scouts and girl guides, as well as supporting crisis centres like their most recent gesture in Kindersley.

West Central Online spoke with president of the riding club Bill Bishop, and he let us know why they chose to support Kindersley, and crisis centres in general.

“They have helped veterans and they have helped families in crisis,” Bishop began to explain, “it was an opportunity for us to donate money based on our by-laws, and our mandate to support veterans and people in crisis.”

Bishop and his crew have always noticed a good amount of support from the Kindersley area, so between the donation and being a big supporter of the local legion’s annual toy drive, this gesture was just another way for Original 9 to give back.

A majority of the causes supported by the club’s mandate have to do with supporting veterans, as over the years they have donated over $100,000 on unmarked military graves in the Battleford area alone, and then around $15,000 to the Afghan Memorial in Grand Prairie.

Most of the money generated comes through different raffles and fundraisers put on by the organization, most prominently being the one where they giveaway a bike! Last years bike raffle was unfortunately put on pause because of the pandemic, but limited tickets are being sold again this year to ensure they can make another donation later in the year as per their mandate.

The club is hoping their annual Ride for a Vet poker rally can go this year after the one year hiatus. View more information about the event, and the Original 9 Riding Association, at rideforavet.ca.

Read about some of the other recent donations to the West Central Crisis Centre below.

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Kindersley Chamber Raising the Roof for West Central Crisis Centre
Kindersley Legion Proud to Provide for West Central Crisis Centre
Kindersley Legion Lends Helping Hand to West Central Crisis Centre