Bikes brave cold to support Stourbridge-based homeless charity cause
Kind hearted bikers braved the cold on a mass ride out in aid of a voluntary group for the homeless and vulnerable people.
More than 60 riders took part in the West Midlands Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Charity Run in aid of Stourbridge-based Leslie’s Care Packages for the homeless.
Loaded up with hundreds of bags of essential provisions, riders set out on mass from Streetbike, Dudley Road, Halesowen on Sunday for the 20 mile run to the Food Stop Café near Bridgnorth, where they were greeted by Leslie’s Care Packages founder, Vi Wood.
The voluntary group was set up by Vi in 2016 in loving tribute to her late husband Leslie, after she and her own family fell on difficult times.
Since then, Vi has dedicated all her free time to helping people in need across the borough.
Vi said: “It was absolutely wonderful to see support from so many riders. Their amazing donations will help make such a difference to people’s lives. I’m overwhelmed and can’t thank them enough.”
Leslie’s Care Packages not only helps the homeless, but also those who face difficult times, providing much needed provisions and practical hands-on support.
And now the group is on a mission to set up a special drop-in centre in the borough.
Vi added: “Homelessness isn’t a choice, it can happen to any one of us at any time for a host of reasons and circumstances, in hard times and in sometimes devastating situations.
“Support has been simply fantastic so far, and now we want to take our cause to the next level. We’re on a mission to find a suitable venue for a dedicated drop-in centre locally, somewhere people can go to get food, shelter and warmth in winter.
”We’re here to let everyone know there is always hope with Leslie’s Care Packages.”
Colin Brown, Regional Rep for the West Midlands Motorcycle Action Group, said: “It is rewarding being able to help in some small way with the work that Vi and her team do for the community. Her dedication is humbling. I am also indebted to both Bridgnorth Bikers and Redditch Charity Riders who helped to make this such a successful event.”
For further information or to make a donation, please email: lesliescarepackages@yahoo.com or visit www.lesliescarepackages.org
