White Ribbon Ride Rolls into Central Hawke’s Bay

The White Ribbon Ride pulls into Waipukurau at Russell Park at 1pm on Wednesday 25 November offering the chance for local riders to join the convoy and for the community to catch the action.

The Super Maori Fullas and the Patriots Motorcycle Club will be leading the ride, which has been organised by the Families Commission as part of the White Ribbon campaign. It begins in Wellington on 25 November and takes four separate routes through eastern, western and the central North Island. The rides will merge together at ASB Bank Stadium in Auckland on 27 November. From there it is expected around 1,000 riders will travel together to Bream Bay, Whangarei.

To take part in the ride, simply visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz and enter the ‘meet and greet’ location where you would like to join the ride and follow the instructions.

Mayor Trish Giddens says “This is a terrific opportunity for our community to stand up and show that they will not condone violence to women and children. In our community and right around New Zealand there is a growing intolerance of violence. White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to ensure that our community understands that violence is not Ok.”

Riders who wish to take part in the White Ribbon Ride must pledge never to condone violence against women and children and to donate cans of food to the local Women’s Refuge.

Families Commissioner Bruce Pilbrow says “White Ribbon Day is an international day stemming from the brutal murder of 14 women in Canada. For campaigns such as this to be effective, men must be seen to lead. Today that leadership for the ride is being provided by the Super Maori Fullas and the Patriots Motorcycle Club.

The Super Māori Fullas brothers grew up surrounded by love and respect. Now they are using the visibility and mobility of their bikes to encourage all New Zealanders to show that they are against violence towards women and children.

Joining them are the Patriot Motorcycle Club whose members are drawn from the men and women in the New Zealand Defence Forces. The Patriots are all former or serving members of the New Zealand Defence Forces. Shane Henry, Patriot and former combat soldier says, “New Zealand is seen as a peacekeeping nation and our members have a background of serving their country. We now want to play a part in reducing violence in our own neck of the woods and we’re proud to support the White Ribbon Ride.”

“We hope that by taking part in this ride, our bikes will reach people in a new way,” says Shane.

Bruce Pilbow says “Riders are able to join at any location and ride for as much of the journey as they wish. If you have the time you can ride for up to four days!”

Riders can be both male and female, but must have a valid licence and registered bike over 250cc.

ENDS

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