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Harley riders raising funds for burn camp

Whistler firefighters will be welcoming at least 200 Harley Davidson riders as part of the on-going effort to raise funds for the Summer Burn Camp.

Whistler firefighters will be welcoming at least 200 Harley Davidson riders as part of the on-going effort to raise funds for the Summer Burn Camp.

The Bikers for Burns Whistler Run is the first in what Vancouver and Whistler firefighters hope will be an annual event.

"This is the first time we have done this so we are not sure how much we will raise," said Whistler firefighter Chris Heppell.

"But so far it looks great and we just want to let the community know this is going on and get them involved."

On Sunday, Aug. 24 the riders will roll into Whistler around lunchtime. Then they will park their bikes along the stroll from the fire station to Town Plaza for a show and shine display.

After lunch the bikers will take the open road again, heading for the Flying Swan Café on West 4 th in Vancouver.

At that location spectators will be treated to a fashion show by Westbeach and Ignition Motorcycle Wear, racing and rider training information by West Coast Superbike School and a skateboard show by Westbeach. Music will be courtesy of DJ Paul.

Each rider and passenger will have paid a registration fee to take part in the ride and the proceeds will go to supporting the burn camp.

"The camp is really a chance for kids who have lost their homes or possession or been injured to get together with others who have survived the same tragedy," said Heppell.

Held each July in the Paradise Valley just north of Squamish, burn victim children aged six to 18 are invited, with more than 450 participating in the first decade.

The camp is bankrolled by the firefighters burn fund with an all-volunteer counselling staff of firefighters, hospital burn unit nurses and adult burn survivors.

Local grocery stores in Whistler are donating snacks and soft drinks for the riders when they arrive and several restaurants have offered to give the riders a discount on their lunch, sad Heppell.

"So the community is really coming together on this," he said.