113 bikers ride as one to deliver groceries for charity

They arrived on sport bikes, cruisers, tourers and scooters.

Despite turning up with different two-wheelers, 113 bikers rode as one for the sake of charity last Saturday morning.

By taking part in the Chong Aik International Wheels of Love (WOL) 2016, these riders earned a spot in the Singapore Book of Records for being the largest motorcycle convoy to deliver groceries for charity.

The bikers spent the morning at Pertapis Children's Home (PCH) - WOL 2016's adopted beneficiary for this year - to also celebrate Children's Day.

FOR CHARITY: The 113 bikers made it to the Singapore Book of Records for being the largest motorcycle convoy. TNP PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF

The convoy was flagged off at Geylang Serai Community Club by Mr Steven Teh, sales and marketing manager of motorcycle parts and apparel shop Chong Aik International.

WOL was formed in 2011 and past charity rides have benefitted organisations such as St Luke's Hospital and Jamiyah Children's Home.

Mr Teh, 54, told The New Paper on Sunday: "WOL has always been a closed-invitation event consisting of participating motorcycle club members who want to make a difference in our community.

"We hope to continue this annual event... to reach out to more people and to be able to spread our love and joy."

HAVING FUN: The bikers posing for a photo with more than 50 residents of the Pertapis Children's Home. ​TNP PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF 

Members from 15 motorcycle clubs, including Kymco Rider's Club, Tracom Motorcycle Club and Singapore Female Riders, rode in formation towards PCH in Kovan Road.

CARE PACKS

Most carried small packs of groceries while motorcycles with panniers or pillion riders helped carry larger We Care Packs with packets of Milo, biscuits, oats, sweets and brown rice.

Leading the column was the guest of honour, Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, who rode pillion on a BMW dual-purpose motorbike.

HAVING FUN: They later played group games together. ​TNP PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF

Prof Fatimah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, told TNPS: "We really want to make sure we are a society of people who volunteer in whatever ways - time, effort, money - to actually make more meaning for ourselves and also for others."

Loud traditional Malay drums, played by PCH's residents, were heard as the convoy neared the entrance of the home.

PCH shelters children aged between five and 16 who have been exposed to parental or sexual abuse, neglect or family violence.

HAVING FUN: A pillion rider carrying a We Care Packs, which consisted of packets of Milo, biscuits, oats, sweets and brown rice. TNP PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF​​

WOL 2016 chairman Azman Ideris and Pertapis president Hussaini Abdullah thanked the participants in their welcome speeches.

Attendees were also treated to a Brazilian martial arts display by four girls from PCH and a road safety talk by the Traffic Police.

The fun started when the riders and more than 50 residents of the home teamed up in group games.

One nine-year-old PCH resident said: "I was nervous to see a lot of bikes and adults at the WOL 2016. But they were really nice and played fun games with us."

Added another resident, who is 13: "It made me feel blessed to know there are many adults out there who care for us. We pray for their safe ride and hope they will come back to our home some day."

The head of PCH, Dr Sophian Kayat, 44, said that playing together is a great bonding experience.

Dr Sophian said: "The children benefit when they can feel the love and support at the WOL event. It tells them they've not been forgotten."