Although Christmas has long since passed, the giving continues. In January, Eric Pritchard, Valley local and member of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group, visited various establishments to hand over donations. Last year’s Expo Moto raised $10,100 which is being distributed as follows: the Montreal Children’s Hospital received $2,000; the Ormstown Barrie Memorial Hospital received $2000; the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (for prostate cancer) received $300; La Bouffe Additionelle in Huntingdon received $600; and $600 goes to Lucky Harvest therapeutic riding. CHU Sainte-Justine received $2000, the Foundation du Centre d’Hebergement Huntingdon (Huntingdon Hospital) received $2000, and last but not least, the Montreal SPCA will receive $600.
Pritchard has welcomed CVMG to hold its Expo Moto rally every summer on his Hinchinbrooke farm since 1991. “We gave a few small dollar amounts before 2014; but in 2014 we had a significant rise in attendance and ‘profit,’ so that’s when we started giving more. So, from 2014 to 2024, we gave a total of $53,984.30,” he says, adding, “The club has a written rule: ‘All profits go to charity.’”
Pritchard is quick to thank the 20 to 30 volunteers involved in running the rally. Many local businesses also help with donations and publicity. He is proud to say that the annual event brings many people to the Valley. “The Chateauguay Valley is a popular destination for folks who tour the country on their motorcycles, and Expo Moto brings tourism and financial benefits to the region.”
Pritchard and CVMG are already planning this year’s rally which will take place on Saturday, August 2.