A beautiful warm and sunny day provided the perfect atmosphere for the third annual Celebrity Charity Ride & Event hosted by Kelowna Harley-Davidson on Saturday, Aug. 9.
More than 200 motorcyclists filled up the Harley-Davidson parking lot in anticipation for the ride, which was led by Canadian actor and Sons of Anarchy star Kim Coates, like in previous years.
"Are you kidding me? It's incredible," said Coates to Black Press Media about the turnout leading up to Saturday's event. He added last year, 140 riders participated despite rainy conditions.
All money raised from Saturday's ride went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central and Southern Interior of B.C.
"Ever since Vaughn Wyant and his incredible team bought this Harley store, they're not fooling around with their incredible bikes, with their charity, with their give back to the community," said Coates. Wyant, the owner of Wyant Group bought the Kelowna Harley-Davidson store in Nov. 2022.
And for Coates, he said it means so much to him to give back and help programs in need and be invited to go across his home country riding motorcycles for good causes.
"How lucky am I to be invited to do all these charities in Saskatchewan, Ontario, here in Kelowna. I mean I'm so lucky to be invited to give back to the community and raise money for organizations that really need it," said Coates.
Coates brought along his Sons of Anarchy co-star from the show Mark Boone Jr. for the ride as well as Campbell River actor Barry Pepper.
"It means a lot and we're Canadian, and we're so proud to be Canadian, especially today more than ever," said Coates.
The convoy of 200+ motorcyclists went on a ride that was just over an hour long where they went north on Highway 97 into Lake Country, turned onto Lodge Road, and came back along the east side of Wood Lake.
When everyone returned, the charity event continued with three bands providing live music, food, various vendors, tattoo artists, and a silent auction.
