Bikers dig deep for RSA

Bikers from the Wellington region visit Masterton RSA for their fundraiser ride for Wellington returned servicemen. WAG 19May15 - SOLIDARITY: Wellington bikers show up in force to support the Mas

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• Bikers from the Wellington region visit Masterton RSA for their fundraiser ride for Wellington and Wairarapa returned servicemen

Bikers from various Wellington-based motorcycle clubs visited the Masterton RSA on Sunday, as part of a fundraiser for New Zealand returned services associations.

Throughout the country, bikers are contributing their own funds towards mass motorcycle rides throughout their home regions and visiting RSAs, with all money collected going towards welfare services for returned servicemen.

Proceeds collected by the Wellington riders, whose contingent included members of The Patriots, The Red Knights and The Widows Sons, will be divided between the Masterton, Upper Hutt and Titahi Bay RSAs.

Masterton RSA president Bob Hill, who was on hand to greet the riders at the club, said he was "knocked back" by the bikers' generosity.

"There were 106 bikes that showed up -- it was quite humbling to see them all," Mr Hill said.

"It's amazing these guys are willing to put their hands in their own pockets for our servicemen.

"Things like this really knock you back."

Widows Sons member Neil McKee, of Upper Hutt, said the idea for the fundraiser was inspired by a similar project in the UK -- with bikers doing sponsored rides to support returning veterans, and raise awareness.

"A guy in one of the New Zealand clubs had friends over in the UK, who suggested he do something similar for the RSAs," Mr McKee said.

"He started ringing up everyone he knew -- and it all went from there."

He said there were nine fundraiser rides taking place throughout the country, with clubs from Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Picton, Christchurch, Greymouth and Invercargill taking part.

Waikanae resident and Red Knights Firefighters members Tim O'Halloran said the fundraiser was a way of "paying respects" to those who fought for their country -- especially in light of the World War I centenary.

"We wanted to acknowledge the servicemen who came back, and the ones who didn't.

"They are part of history -- as the old saying goes, respect your elders."

Mr Hill said the donation would go towards the RSA welfare arm, which funds health services for veterans, such as glasses, hearing aids and dental work.