Ride For A Cause (RFAC) is like a virus that continuous to spread among the motorcycling community. From its humble beginning and a tag line of You Ride and Help, the initial 40 Riders from its inaugural ride 18 months ago, the once a month Ride, number of Volunteer Riders continuous to increase every time there’s a RFAC Ride.
It just concluded its 18th Ride and the 6th for Season Two last October 18, 2009. The recipient was Galilee, Home for Spiritually wounded individual in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
The once a month Ride cannot be stopped by any reason. Despite the country was visited and devastated by typhoons, specially the Northern and Central Luzon, these kind hearted Volunteers continuous their mission. Volunteers are eagerly waiting if this Ride will push trough because another typhoon is entering Philippines, fortunately it was in the ocean. Reminiscing, no RFAC Ride met any heavy downpour.
Galilee was revisited because it asked for assistance, since they are relying only from the donations and no support from the Government. It was learned that the Priest who head the institution was outside the country and needs medical attention, it was left to the care of the staff.
Volunteer Riders from Bulacan was tasked to do the coordination with Galilee for this mission.
At the MCP forum, volunteers are excited to be part of this undertaking. Even though that RFAC was busy doing relief operation, this once a month mission ride cannot be taken for granted.
Assembly point was pinpointed, unfortunately, there was an International Marathon Event scheduled on the same day. The Quezon Memorial Circle, the supposed assembly point was closed to vehicular traffic same with portion of Commonwealth Avenue.
The supposed 6:00AM take off was not followed because the Volunteers had to find ways to be at the assembly point. With modern communication such as SMS, the group decided to transfer location along Commonwealth Avenue. From this, Volunteers started arriving individually or by groups. These volunteers had to inch their way from the traffic caused by the Marathon Event to be at the next stop at a Gasoline station somewhere in Fairview.
Ride Officials started to bring together the volunteers for the pre ride meeting and Prayer.
As the Ride proceeded, the safety hand and foot signals can be seen from the Riders. They have to tackle different kind of road conditions, from well paved, asphalted, potholes, road construction and even land slides along the route, until the group reached their destination.
Due to the delay, the supposed Mass for the Riders was not held because the Priest has a prior commitment and no time to wait for the Riders. Only Volunteers from Bulacan who was there earlier had their motorcycle blessed.
A program was prepared by the Staff of the Galilee. The Volunteers was given a brief introduction of what this institution was all about. Three of their Residents shared the reason why they are in Galilee. With varied reasons and ages, from 53 years old to the youngest at 14, the Volunteers learned on how these residents changed their life and outlook in life inside the institution.
A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded by Galilee to RFAC.
A light moment happened, a raffle draw was made and the price was a T-shirt from Galilee. Congratulations to the winners.
COE’s was introduced to the Volunteers. Past tasks of RFAC were echoed to the Volunteers, future plans were lay-out.
The Mission ended by asking the Volunteers what are their plans. Others left for their return home, others have their side trip. Some had a picnic along the river bank.
We would like to extend our gratitude to All Volunteers, Donors and Supporters for another successful edition of RFAC – Naka Ride Ka Na Nakatulong Ka Pa.
See you All in next RFAC Ride
Happy and Safe Ride
God Bless Us All
Photos by: francismalasig, hawzwife_rider
