Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. presented a cheque for $15,263.07 to the Canadian Cancer Society today following the 2014 National Demo Tour and Ninja Track Experience. In commemoration of the Ninja’s 30th anniversary, riders were invited to test the 2014 model on several closed tracks over the course of the summer and make a $10 or $40 donation.
Rather than accepting the money motorcycle enthusiasts paid for the privilege of the experience, Kawasaki paid the funds forward to the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Wheels of Hope transportation program
According to Susan Drodge, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships, the funds will help support the Wheels of Hope transportation program, which helps cancer patients focus on getting well and not on worrying about how they will get to treatment.
“Imagine fighting the battle of your life but not even being able to get to the hospital for treatment,” said Drodge, “Whether it be for physical, logistical or financial reasons, there are many Canadians who benefit from this service.”
It is the only program of its kind, and has been providing safe and comfortable rides to cancer patients for over fifty years. Last year in Ontario alone, Society volunteers drove 13 million kilometres, helping 13,000 patients to more than 116,000 cancer-related appointments.
“We are very happy about the success of the Ninja tour which had a great deal to do with partners like the Canadian Cancer Society, “ said Bob Calwell, Kawasaki Canada Inc. National Sales and Marketing Manager, “The thanks really goes out to the tour’s participants and Kawasaki riders who jumped at the chance to support this worthy cause.”
The funds raised more than doubled the program’s initial goal of $7,500.
