Despite the rainy weather impeding a planned rally, local motorcyclists have raised over $31,000 for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation – going towards the city’s Prostate Assessment Centre.

“This started a number of years ago by a group of guys that have had prostate cancer. It’s been in their family,” explained Darryl Haas, director of Regina Hog Chapter #9252.

“The assessment centre used to be in a storage room in one of the hospitals, and it was downstairs in the basement, kind of dungy and they said, ‘You know what? This has to change.’ That’s where this ride came from.”

On Sunday, riders came out to Prairie Harley-Davidson in support of raising money and spreading awareness of prostate cancer.

Although the day was supposed to begin with a motorcycle ride, along with a live band and barbecue in Indian Head, Haas said the group had to cancel due to the rainy weather.

“We still came out to Prairie Harley-Davidson. We had our pancake breakfast, we had about 70 people show up this year which is fantastic without a ride,” he shared.

“All of the money that’s raised today through a raffle draws or 50/50 is our donations or registrations goes towards the Prostate Assessment Center here in Regina.”

Trevor Davis, the treasurer of Regina Hog Chapter #9252, said having the support of the community is the reason it’s been going strong for years.

“The community has been great. We’ve raised in excess of $25,000 already, not including what’s going on here today,” Davis said. “The community has really gotten out and been part of that. That’s made us extremely happy and will give us food for thought for next year.”

Regardless of weather conditions come Sept. 14, Davis said it will be hosting a motorcycle ride to raise money for breast cancer.

“The fact that both the breast cancer ride and the prostate ride, we’re very proud to be part of it because it’s solely kept here in Regina and southern Saskatchewan,” he said. “There’s no overhead that’s charged from it. Every donation that comes in goes to both of the assessment processes. That makes us really happy and the support from Prairie Harley-Davidson.”

Organizers added that everyone is welcome to attend – no matter what type of motorcycle you ride.