The roar of motorcycles echoed through Woodville’s streets as the 24th annual Lions Ride to Survive Coast 2 Coast once again joined the town’s Christmas parade. Made with funding from NZ On Air.
Tinsel, Christmas trees... and the roar of motorcycles.
Woodville's annual Christmas parade is like no other. It's not only a public celebration of the festive season but a time for the town, and local motorcyclists to come together and raise money for the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter.
"It has beenvery successful really, and part of the reason is that people are very sympathetic to the rescue helicopter," says Woodville Lions Club member Clive Boyden.
Motorcyclists pay to be part of the Woodville Lions Suzuki Ride to Survive Coast2Coast, with proceeds donated to the rescue helicopter.
It's an eagerly anticipated event for bikies and the highlight of the Christmas parade.
24 years ago, the charity ride was Mr Boyden's brainchild.
"It's still going very strong. We'd be up to $170,000 now that we've made for the rescue helicopter"
Stewart Davies, a trustee of Philips Search and Rescue Trust, which governs the rescue helicopter says: "The helicopter's there for everybody. You don't know when you might need it so I think that's why people support it strongly year after year."
This year the funds will go towards a new ventilator.
"It's a date that I have every year that I know I will be riding my bike - definitely," Mr Davies says.
Just three men who rode the initial Coast2Coast are alive today, Lynn Southee is one of them.
"Any fundraising which is generated from the community is always a good effort," Mr Southee says.
Mr Southee will be back again next year, thrilling to the thunder of the engines, knowing it's all for a good cause.
