Boomer鈥檚 Legacy Bike Ride from Comox to Victoria happens June 17 and 18 in memory of all fallen soldiers while raising funds for Canadian soldiers to build goodwill through humanitarian efforts.
Bicyclists will gather at 8:45 a.m. at the grave of Cpl. Andrew (Boomer) Eykelenboom in Courtenay Civic Cemetery (at St. Andrew's Church on Route 19A in Courtenay).
Official words will come from Gen. Walter Natynczyk CDS; Comm. Hans Jung, Surgeon General; MP John Duncan, Mayor Greg Phelps and Wing Commander Col. Michel Lalumi茅re.
The contingent of riders will consist of civilians, including family members of fallen soldiers, and members of CFB Esquimalt, CFB Comox, as well as other military riders from Ontario.
They will proceed through the Comox Valley and down the Old Island Highway, staying at the Brigadier D.R. Sergeant Armoury in Nanaimo on the evening of June 17. On June 18, the cyclists proceed to Victoria where they will be greeted by dignitaries for a brief ceremony at the Legislature Grounds at 4 p.m.
There will be approximately 90 cyclists in the procession. Military police and RCMP escorts will be provided. Phelps, in co-operation with other mayors on the route, have declared June 17 Red Friday in support of all of our military members. They are encouraging everyone to wear red and to line the ride route in support of the riders as well.
Every rider will have two memorial pennants attached to their bike. Each will have a photo and bio of a fallen Canadian soldier. All fallen soldiers will be remembered.
While the registration is getting close to capacity, there is still room for a few more cyclists. Register online ASAP.
Those who wish to support this worthwhile event can sponsor a rider, or simply go online and make a donation at www.boomerslegacy.com.
It is anticipated that this ride will raise $40,000. The participation is capped at 90 due to sleeping accommodations at the armory, but donations are never capped.
Boomer's Legacy was started by Maureen Eykelenboom after her son was killed in Afghanistan.
Boomer's Legacy funds are utilized by Canadian soldiers around the world, to address needs in the communities in which they are located.
In previous years, funds were allocated to a variety of projects, including midwife training and birthing kits, supplies and equipment for schools and for medical clinics, many life-saving surgeries for children, shoes for orphans, a flock of sheep for a farmer, sports equipment, etc.
The 2011 funds are earmarked for the continuation of a midwife program that will support thousands of women in Afghanistan. In Kosovo, funds have recently been given by our soldiers, to support the Pristine Women & Children鈥檚 Shelter.
Fore details, visit www.boomerslegacy.com.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors: 19 Wing Comox, CFB Esquimalt, Thrifty Foods, Telus, the Eagle, First Insurance, Best Buy Canada, Howe Sound Brewery, RCMP, Simon鈥檚 Cycles, Water Pure & Simple, Tim Horton鈥檚 & Starbucks.
鈥� Boomer's Legacy
