Home Community Kings Tavern Ride raises funds for Shades of Hope

Kings Tavern Ride raises funds for Shades of Hope

September 7, 2024

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By: Michelle Poirier

On August 25 Kings Tavern hosted the Kings Tavern Ride, an annual motorcycle ride that brings motorcycle enthusiasts together for a day of fun while raising money for a local charity.

This was the second annual ride Kings Tavern has run supporting Shades of Hope, a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Pefferlaw which provides emergency assistance and care for injured or orphaned animals. They raised $550.00 for the charity through donations given by participants in the ride.

Aby Vohra, manager of Kings Tavern, said there were around 30 motorcycles, and 40 participants involved in this year’s ride.

“The Ride started through having people with same mindset gathering and having fun. I love riding, so do they, so then why not make it a good charity event,” Vohra said.

The day started with the riders sharing breakfast at Kings Tavern before heading out for the ride at 10:45 a.m. The route was 300 kilometers in total with a stop at a gas station to refuel, a stop in Creemore to stretch their legs and take a water break because of the high temperatures, and another in Loretto for lunch, before returning to King’s Tavern around 6:30 p.m.

“We do it to support businesses, support charity, and while doing all that have some fun,” Vohra said.

He said everyone on the ride had a great time, that they had a good route planned and everything went to plan.

“Honestly the day was so fun, everyone was in good spirits and just ready to ride,” Hayley Addy, a staff member at Kings Tavern who joined the ride, added.

“Events like this are so important because it’s a reminder that businesses do give back too, and we’re here to support the town.”

Addy believes rides like these also take away some of the negativity associated with the idea of a biker.

“Most of the bikers in town are some of the nicest and sweetest people, and most rides they do, whether it’s in town or not, are always to give back to the community,” she said.

Vohra is already looking forward to next year’s ride. He said they do not advertise the ride, focusing on keeping it to friends, family, and friends of friends, rather than a large impersonal crowd.

“Our goal is to create a positive buzz around the town and demonstrate that we’re more than just a restaurant,” said Vohra.

“We go above and beyond to build a community. It’s not only like you come here, eat and go, it’s more than that. You come here, you get good service, and you feel like it’s a home away from home.”

To make a donation to Shades of Hope, visit https://www.shadesofhope.ca/