Local Motorcycle Riding Club Presents Food to SVDP Pantry

Ironwood-members of the altruists riding club, a local motorcycle riding club, dropped in on the Ironwood Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry last week and dropped off just over a ton of food, plus some monetary donations to help their community.

“That’s the point of our club to help the community,” said the Altruists’ President Ron Parkin. “We’re a new club and are looking for members. We don’t have many rules, we are open to men and women riders.”

The club held a poker run on June 3rd, inviting other riders in the community to participate. They had about 40 people register and there were five stops at restaurants and bars around the area.

“Entry for the poker run was some food for the pantry,” said Parkin.

Much of the 2,094 pounds of food came from the Long Riders motorcycle club that came to participate from Kingsford. “They brought a truck full,” said Parkin.”

The $175 in monetary donations included gift cards for grocery stores and sandwiches at fast food chains.

Betty Perkis, manager of the Ironwood SVP food pantry said the donations were divided between the Ironwood and Bessemer Saint Vincent de Paul pantries that included just under 2,000 cans of vegetables.

Parkin said the Altruists RC has also been working the Range Suicide Prevention Council, to help people with depression.

He said the club doesn’t have any rules about what kind or size of bike members ride. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a Harley, or American made or big or small. We just want them to be at least 500 CC because we do ride distances.”

Parkin said they recently made a ride to six veterans memorials in Michigan and Wisconsin that earned the riders a 500 miles patch, as the ride was at least that long.

He said he wants the group to be available to help when needed. “If you’re having an event and need chairs set up call us.”

We hope to have men and women come aboard because what we’re trying to do takes everyone,” Said Parkin. “Jump on a bike and join us as we help the community.”

For more information on the Altruist RC, call Parkin at 715-768-5328.