SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Rescue Mission held its annual Ride to End Homelessness on Sunday. This event is partnered with Sheldon Harley-Davidson to bring awareness on the increase in homelessness in western Massachusetts.
Homeland Security searches apartment on Berkshire Ave in Springfield Registration began at 10 a.m. and kickstands were up by 12:30 p.m. at Sheldon Harley-Davidson located on Southbridge Street in Auburn. The ride ended at the Springfield Rescue Mission with an after-party at 2:30 p.m.
At the after-party, there will be raffles, food, and drinks available for purchase, and live music by Night Moves, the “ultimate Bob Seger tribute band.” The party is free for ride participants and open to the whole community with a $10 donation per person.
“This event offers a cool way for riders to come together and do something they love for a cause,” said Kevin Ramsdell, executive director and CEO, of Springfield Rescue Mission. “Funds raised will be used to provide essential supportive programming, food, clothing, and shelter for those in our communities who have fallen on hard times.”
“Walk-ins are welcome to attend the after-party, so even if you can’t join us for the ride, come on down to show your support and have some summer fun,” said Ramsdell.
According to a news release from the Springfield Rescue Mission, the organization provides free food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, Christian counseling, literacy training, and advocacy through its Emergency Shelter, Give-Away Center, Mobile Feeding Program, Rehabilitation Center, and Transitional Living Facility.
Over 100 riders took off from Sheldon Harley-Davidson in Auburn and made their way to Springfield. The first annual ride brought in bikers from as far away as Long Island.
Ramsdell was overjoyed with the support and hopes to see more of the community get involved, “Today was more about getting the word out of what we do here. You know we don’t just feed cloth people, but we have a whole holistic approach to what we’re doing here for recovery.”
The event is expected to raise over $10,000, and the organizers hope to welcome back everyone for another ride next year. The Springfield Rescue Mission holds events like these all year round. To find more information on the next activity, get involved, or just to donate head to their website .
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