The fourth annual Riff-Raff Ride hosted by the Port Alberni chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) saw a great turnout on May 18, 2025 as many people riding every type of motorcycle came by to donate, collect swag and enjoy a hotdog.
This ride’s name Riff-Raff came from the fact that many riders have Hondas and other non-classic motorcycles, not considered the "right" ride by avid bikers and hence the name.
A group of female riders all arrived at the same time. Members of the Port Alberni Toy Run, including director Terry Dubois said they believe in supporting many local events.
The object of this all-inclusive ride was to show that wind has a mental health healing effect.
The ride is not the only project the CMHA has going on in the city. The branch has a garden at their building at 3178 Second Avenue that is in dire need of some physical and monetary help. The retaining wall fell down and now a lot of help is needed to build up their communal garden that helps to feed clients.
The clubhouse offers community-based rehabilitation, daily lunch program, transitional and supported employment, social and recreational activities for people with mental illness. There are currently 287 members that enjoy the meals and camaraderie of this location.
If you would like to help fund the CMHA you can drop off your empties at the bottle depot and use the phone number 250-724-7199 and it will be deposited in their account for client comforts.
If you love to garden but don’t have the space and would like to help, they have the area. You can drop by, call 250-724-7199 and check out their website at cmhaportalberni.ca and find the link to donate.
