After only four and a half months of planning, the inaugural Ride for the Boys Fundraiser was a huge success. The aim of the ride was to raise awareness for men's cancer; all proceeds stay in the area at Central Plains Cancer Services.

Robin Bailey is the events Chair Person and she reveals as of Friday, February 15th the first ever Ride for the Boys raised $35,442.75.

"When Sharilyn Knox gave me the number I started crying," said Bailey. "Ally Giffin, Jodi Dallyn, Trish Anderson, and I are absolutely amazed by how much money we have raised. We had lots of volunteers. Without them, I can't even imagine how we would've made the day happen."

On the day of the ride, 45 people suited up and hit the trails — those who did not ride raised pledges. In the evening a banquet and social followed where prizes were auctioned off by Dave Rogers. Bailey adds Rogers is fantastic at what he does.

Bailey along with her fellow organizers are astonished by the response from the community.

"There aren't any words," stressed Bailey. "It's just phenomenal. I can't even express how grateful we are for this community and surrounding area that has taken the time to send in donations be it monetary and or prizes."

She notes the number of $35,442.75 is still on the rise as donations will be accepted until February 28th. Bailey adds Taylor Janitorial has donated five $1000.00 commercial cleaning services to go to the highest bidders March 15th.

Bailey announced the Ride for the Boys will now be a bi-annual event; the next one will be taking place on February 20th, 2021. She adds, the next snowmobile fundraiser is the Pink ladies Snow Ride for a Cure, which takes place on February 1st, 2020.

"We hope to see everyone out there supporting another great cause," said Bailey.

Bailey extends a huge thank you to the sponsors of the event: Enns Bros,Portage Toyota, Anderson's, Humiski, Stride Credit Union, Mayfair, Portage Industrial Exhibition, Taylor Janitorial, MIG, Ellwood McRorie, Shewfelt's Plumbing and Heating, Bailey's Aerial Spraying, Simplot, The Screen Door, McCains, Headingley Sports Shop, Luke's Town Service Summit Customs, Laramee Enterprises, BRP, FXR, Jonair, Castle Mortgage - Lisa Kanski, Arnold Bros Transportation, Bison Transport, MarDee Enterprises, Avenue Honda Polaris, Pinewood Lodge, Royal LePage Portage Realty, Don Hales with Chudds, Airport Colony, and Baker Colony.

 In addition to the sponsors above Bailey would like to thank all of the Helping Hand Sponsors. You can see a list of these sponsors on the Ride for the Boys Facebook page.