Poker Run for St Vincent's Hospital

Turns out I was the first to complete the run, so the line-up for selecting my final two cards consisted of just me. With business taken care of, it was time to get comfortable by ridding myself of all the extra layers I had started the day off in, get some well deserved nourishment from the chip wagon, sit back to listen to some tunes provided by the Virtronics DJ, and wait for the others to start arriving.

In the end there were over 60 bikes and 80 registrants who braved the dreary start, but they were rewarded with a picture perfect finish. The nurses of St Vincent's had a good time getting rides on a hawg and a sport bike, while some of the patients got to mingle with the riders and admire their gleaming machinery. Plaques were given out for best and worst hands for both riders and passengers, plus one for most money raised. Most of those who participated walked away with door prizes, and we all left knowing that we helped with the costs for the planned renovation of the hospital. With all the charities out there, I was particularly pleased that the Freedom Chapter decided to take care of those in need at Ottawa's forgotten hospital.

I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Nurses, nurses, everywhere! No pushing: everyone gets a turn. It was the first time on a motorcycle for many of these St Vincent nurses.

The pug "Harley" immediately posed when he saw the camera. The two pugs (Harley's friend not shown) wandered around the whole day, pleasing many of the patients and riders alike.