By Alec Connor, Co-op Student with The Guard

Members of the 2018 Military Police National Motorcycle Relay (MPNMR) made a stop in Ottawa on August 13, 2018; the 16^th day of their 27-day ride across Canada that raises money for the Military Police Fund for Blind Children (MPFBC).

Founded in 1957, this charity specializes in assisting visually impaired and blind children, with all funds raised used to help those children. Founded by Colonel James Stone, former Canadian Army Provost Marshal, whose daughter Moira suffered from blindness, the MPFBC is the only military charity in the country, and it is run and managed by Military Police volunteers.

“Thanks to the amazing efforts of our Military Police community, we continue to make a difference in the lives of visually impaired children. This year’s 10^th Annual Military Police National Motorcycle Relay is an impressive milestone and testament to our solidarity across Canada,” praised Brigadier-General Simon Trudeau, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and Commander Canadian Forces Military Police Group.

The motorcyclists started their trip in Victoria, British Columbia on July 29, 2018. Approximately 300 Military Police and civilian riders participated, joining for one or more legs of the journey. The relay covered over 10 000 kilometers, and finished in St. John’s, Newfoundland on August 24, 2018. It is the world’s longest annual motorcycle relay. Since its founding in 2009, riders have raised over $600 000 for the cause, travelling across the country with stops at Bases, Legions, and dorms.

To learn more about the MPFBC or donate to it, please visit their website.