Poker Run 2011 began the day before with a visit to the hospital to meet the volunteers, staff and some of the patients who benefit from the money raised each year by the Vietnam Vet Poker Run.
Tayla jumped on the back of the bike whilst visiting
her Aunt on Friday at Canberra Hospital.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Canberra Doctors and Medics met with Vietnam Vets
Terry, Dimples, Mike and Agent on Friday
at Canberra Hospital. Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Taking some time later that day to visit the Vietnam Memorial on Memorial Drive in Canberra gave Poker Run organisers and Vietnam Vets Agent, Dimples and Terry a moment to reflect upon the days from 1962-1975 and remember those who are no longer here.
Agent, Dimples and Terry at the Vietnam Memorial.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Dimples, Agent and Terry inside the
Vietnam Memorial.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Terry, Agent and Dimples – although a history apart,
they are lifelong friends. Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Gathering at 9am on the overcast Saturday morning, around 150 enthusiastic supporters and friends of VVMC Federal arrived and registered. The event was lead by Terry with the patched veterans riding behind. A range of ages from those in their 70's to some as young as 10 participated and helped raise awareness of Vietnam Vets and money for charity. A number of raffles were held over the 200km course with all ticket sales going towards Canberra and Cooma Hospitals.
Duncan, a new recruit to the VVMC Federal,
joined the chapter in memory of his
grandfather who fought in WWII.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
The girls getting ready to ride on Saturday.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Reflection of past times. Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Photographer Susan Gordon-Brown with her ride for the day.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Kiwi and Colin check the next leg of the road.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Riding into Cooma – 150 bikes snake across the
Monaro Plains into the town.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Welcomed to Cooma by Mayor Dean Lynch.
Image by Susan-Gordon Brown.
Arriving into Cooma at the end of the Poker Run, Mayor Dean Lynch met the Vietnam Vets to welcome them to the town and thank them for their contribution to the hospitals. After the formalities, VVMC Federal and its supporters retired to the Aussie Hotel for an evening of celebrations.
The VVMC Federal, Poker Run 2011.
Image by Susan Gordon-Brown.
Thank you to all those who rode, provided back-up vehicles and support both on the day and in the lead-up to the event. A special thank you to the townships of Bredbo, Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne and Dalgety for hosting the event and providing a welcoming and supportive environment to 150 blokes and a few girls.
VVMC Federal raised around $12 000 to support the purchase of equipment for Canberra and Cooma Hospitals.
No comments:
Post a Comment