More than 200 motorcycle enthusiasts from across the province could be seen and heard cruising through Campbell River on Sunday (June 22).
The annual Campbell River Poker Run hosted by the Campbell River Eagle Riders raises money for local charities each year. This year, all the proceeds raised will support the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation for cancer treatment, as well as Campbell River Search and Rescue.
As poker run participants cruised by the Campbell River Hospital on Sunday, folks gathered to cheer them on in a lively show of support. They also made pit stops in Comox, Cumberland, and Qualicum Beach before continuing their journey north to Campbell River.
Sam Singh, president of Eagle Riders, said the event "just blew up."
"To put it mildly, the turnout and response was overwhelming," said Singh, adding that motorcycle enthusiasts even arrived from south of the border.
Of the nearly 300 people who took part in the 32nd year of the event, many have been affected by cancer in some form, whether through their own diagnosis or that of a family member, Singh said.
Last year, the Poker Run raised over $6,000 and donated $2,000 to each of the three charities it sponsored. Since 2016, the fundraising event has raised $40,744.
