PRINCE GEORGE – The Redrum Motorcycle Club held its first annual fundraising motorcycle run earlier this year, and it raised $3240. Half of the money was donated to the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society, while the other half was donated to the Prince George Red Dress Society in a cheque presentation held on Saturday.
“The Prince George Red Dress Nonprofit Society can’t do the work we do without the partnerships that we have within the community. Our mandate is to bring awareness, and how we do that is by forming partnerships within the community. And the Redrum Motorcycle Club is one of the ones that have ultimately stepped up and said, ‘hey, we would like to help,’” said Red Dress Society President Tammy Meise.
The fundraising motorcycle run saw 71 bikers ride to Shelley and back to Prince George, which was followed by a bike rodeo, silent auction, raffles, and more. It was the first time Redrum hosted an event like this, and while it took a lot of work getting everything coordinated the Motorcycle Club says it’s happy to do what it can to support local community organizations.
“Anytime you hear the Red Dress Society or Hospice House, it’s definitely a great cause. And with Tammy’s organization, we’d like to bring more awareness, and to do that, we need to have these charity events,” said Redrum’s Secretary Jason Robicheau.
Meise explained the money raised for the Red Dress Society helps the community in many ways, ranging from accommodations for people when needed, organizing events like the Jack Family Vigil, supporting families in times of need, and more. Supporting the community is the main focus of the Redrum Club, so Robicheau explained partnering with the Red Dress Society and supporting it how it can made sense for both parties, as they have similar goals.
“We want to bring awareness. We want people to understand that sometimes things don’t get talked about because the people aren’t sure how to talk about them, we’ll be the voice for them,” Robicheau said.
“We are warriors for the people. We’re the voice for the voiceless. We support our community. We’re big on supporting the elders, the youth, hospice house, Red Dress Society, the list goes on and on,” he continued.
Beyond monetary donations, Redrum also does its part in supporting other community events by raising awareness and attending several events, like the Jack Family Vigil, the Dale Culver court ruling in April, healing fires, and more.
“We’re trying to break a stigma with bikers in general. We’re the largest Indigenous based motorcycle club in the world. We’re 77 chapters worldwide. (…) One of our members from Alberta was awarded a spiritual leader patch which not very many people have,” Robicheau said.
Redrum’s logoRobicheau added the Redrum logo itself is symbolic of the Club’s values, with the following features being highlighted:
- The burgundy colour represents the lifeblood flowing through all living creatures.
- The circle reminds us to live a life that we want returned to us.
- The Head dress is a symbol of respect, honour, and power. The eagle feathers pointing straight up serve as a reminder that all thoughts and views go directly to the creator.
- The black bandana is worn by Zapatistas, which the group says fights corruption in government.
- The seven stars on the middle bandana represent seven generations, and the idea that what is taught now will affect seven generations.
- The four stars on the smaller bandanas represent the four directions, the four creatures of earth: things that walk, fly, swim or grow. As well as the four things that grow: root, stem, leaf, and fruit.
- The colour stripes over the eye show that the group accepts everyone and doesn’t see colour.
- The three skulls represent a group, as one is single, two is a couple, three is a group.
- The peace symbols represent the desire to live a peaceful life and resolve conflict peacefully.
The Redrum Motorcycle Club is frequently riding and attending community events, so you may see them on the roads. If you see them, or any other motorcyclists on the road, Robicheau asks that drivers in cars exercise caution, as a member of the group was recently T-boned and is currently hospitalized. Robicheau says it’s motorcycle season, so any extra care shown by drivers in cars would be greatly appreciated.
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