AS WE approach the heart of winter and temperatures fall, the first instinct is to snuggle somewhere warm and draw the blanket around our shoulders.
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But for many in our community, these simple acts of comfort are a luxury.
One motorcyclist among us is revving up his engine to help.
“I’m the local organiser of the Winter Appeal Blanket Ride,” George Parker said.
“I hope this year’s ride will attract motorcyclists from right along the Sapphire Coast, to help raise money for those in need.”
This Saturday, May 30, motorcyclists will be riding from the Club Sapphire car park in Merimbula to Robert Smith Home Makers in Pambula, then onwards to the St Vincent de Paul store on Newtown Rd, Bega.
The journey will culminate in a sausage sizzle and live music, with warm blankets, winter clothing and money donations collected en route.
All proceeds raised will go to the St Vincent de Paul centre in Bega.
Mr Parker has already started the fundraising process, with a stall in Sapphire Marketplace.
Many locals have dropped by, largely drawn in by Mr Parker’s charismatic assistant, Penny, a leather-clad teddy bear.
“Penny is our mascot for the work we do with the Cancer Council,” Mr Parker said.
“I raise money for them too, for their breast cancer and daffodil campaigns.
“It’s fun getting dressed up for those days.”
It’s hard to imagine this swarthy, bearded man framed by sparkling helmets, leather apparel and rev-head posters costumed in pink or yellow, but this ain’t your average motorcycle man.
“I’m a disabled retired priest, and I came down here from Canberra 18 years ago bored to tears,” Mr Parker said.
“People always see motorcyclists in a negative way, so my fundraising work breaks the ice, and proves we’re not all bad.
“It also allows me to make a positive contribution to the wider community, rather than restricting my work to a small congregation.”
When asked if he will be riding for God this weekend, he hesitates, and then his face breaks in a smile.
“My wife reckons I’m not a religious man anymore!” Mr Parker laughs.
“And I’ve never ridden for the God Squad (national bikie gang).
“I started riding motorbikes when I was a priest, and I’ve kept riding after I gave up the priesthood, so I dunno.
“It’s just what I love to do.”
Mr Parker hopes the Valley’s motorcyclists and bikie groups will “come together” for the Winter Appeal Blanket Ride this weekend, and ride as one for the needy.
So pull on your helmet, button up your leather, and meet Mr Parker at Merimbula’s Club Sapphire car park at 10.30am this Saturday, May 30.
