Motorcycle riders and classic car drivers will be revving up their engines in Penrith next weekend as they set off on a ride destined to improve the morale of troops serving overseas.
The second annual Boots and Bullets Ride will kick off on Saturday, October 26, raising money for ‘Operation: Dear Troops’, which packs and sends care packages to servicemen and women carrying out their duties overseas.
Supporting the organisation comes naturally to the Western Brotherhood Social Motorcycle Club (SMC), which coordinates the event, as members have close ties with the organisation as well as with the Australian Armed Forces.
“I am ex military so I know what it is like myself,” said SMC president, Carl Richards.
“When you are away from your family, you can feel a bit depressed and sometimes lonely. Getting a care package just lifts morale, it makes you feel like someone cares.”
Each care package sent overseas contains creature comforts, like socks, undies and magazines, which Mr Richards says makes a big difference to troops living away from home.
The SMC is encouraging all motorcycle riders and classic car drivers to take part in the 100km ride from Penrith to Putty for a simple $20 donation, with all proceeds going directly to ‘Operation: Dear Troops’.
“Every cent that we raise goes to troops overseas. The more people that turn up and support it, the more care packages we can create,” Mr Richards said.
Riders and drivers will be meeting at 8.30am at the Krispy Kreme car park, Mulgoa Road, Penrith, and from there will ride together to Grey Gums Cafe on Putty Road, Putty, where they can enjoy live entertainment, activities for the whole family and a sausage sizzle.
Call 0400 087 741 for more details.
