21st CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE FOR LANDSDOWNE KIDS RETURNS
The roar of engines and the spirit of giving will once again take over Brantford as the Charity Motorcycle Ride for Lansdowne Kids rolls out for its 21st edition on Saturday, June 28. Organized by the volunteer-led group Ensuring Brant, this beloved community event continues its long-standing tradition of raising funds for Lansdowne Children's Centre, ensuring children with developmental needs receive the support they deserve.
After 20 successful years under the stewardship of Lansdowne Children's Centre Foundation, the ride faced an uncertain future. But passionate riders, community members, and families rallied together, determined to keep the event alive. Leading the charge is Brantford native and longtime participant Brian Kinrade, who saw firsthand the impact Lansdowne has on families.
"Some of us got together last August to talk about what we could do to continue the event," said Kinrade. "With 20 years of history, the blueprint was already there to host a successful fundraiser. We just needed some guidance to keep it going."
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Riders will gather at Brimich Logistics, located at 15 Kraemer's Way in Brantford, for a day filled with camaraderie and purpose. The event kicks off with registration at 9:00 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast. At 11:00 a.m., kickstands go up, and riders will embark on a scenic, 90-minute police-escorted journey through Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk counties, before returning to Brantford for a hot lunch and live music. The event draws motorcyclists from across Ontario, many of whom return year after year to support the cause.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
For Kinrade, this ride is personal. "My kids received help with speech," he shared, "and they've now grown up to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces and in our Brantford Hospital."
Lansdowne Children's Centre provides vital programs and services for infants, children, and youth with physical, communication, and developmental needs. Serving Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Lansdowne continues to be a cornerstone of support for families across the region.
ABOUT ENSURING BRANT
Ensuring Brant is a not-for-profit community association, raising funds through events and sponsorship in support of community initiatives. The group originated from the amalgamation of two former neighborhood associations, in East Ward Echo Place neighborhood association & the H.U.B. With private funds and city grants, the group has previously provided community-building events, including Music in the Park, cooking skills classes for kids, self-defense courses and a local business fun fair.
ABOUT CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE, Brantford's loudest fundraiser
Founded over 20 years ago by rider and fundraiser Bob Caissie, the Charity Motorcycle Ride (CMR) is an annual fundraising event in support of Lansdowne Children's Centre Foundation, and the programs and services accessed by infants, children and youth with physical, communication and/or developmental additional needs/special needs.
In 2025, the ride will start and finish at Brimich Logistics, 15 Kraemer's Way in Brantford, off Highway-403 at Oak Park Road. The event includes a continental breakfast, hot lunch, live music, and a 90-minute police-escorted tour leaving Brantford to travel along the Grand River into Haldimand County, returning across the north of Norfolk County into Brant County and Brantford. Brantford Police lead the ride, often joined by motorcycle riding police escorts from other regions including Waterloo, Hamilton and London. Registration and check-in will open at 9:00 a.m. in the morning, and at 11:00 a.m. kickstands will go up to begin the ride.
ABOUT LANSDOWNE CHILDREN'S CENTRE
Lansdowne Children's Centre for child development is a highly accredited children's treatment center (CTC) and Smart Start Hub, connecting caregivers with resources, services and supports, for infants, children, and youth with physical, communication, and/or developmental additional/special needs.
Lansdowne Children's Centre supports thousands of children, caregivers and families, as well as childcare centers and schools across the region of Grand Erie, including Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississauga's of the Credit First Nation. Lansdowne operates sites in Brantford, Caledonia, Dunnville and Simcoe.
GET INVOLVED
Motorcyclists and supporters are encouraged to join the ride, donate, or sponsor the event. More details can be found at www.lansdownecentre.ca/cmr
Photo Credit Danovision Productions
