North Shore News - 10-AUG-01
Erin Porter - Contributing Writer

GERRY Rooyakkers is not your stereotypical Harley Davidson biker, and he wants to keep it that way. In fact, the North Vancouver resident and the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Vancouver chapter he belongs to have been working to change the bad-boy biker image so often portrayed in the media. "Sure we wear leather, but that doesn't mean we're a gang," said Rooyakkers. In fact according to this motor-cycle enthusiast, bikers are a generous group.

Rooyakkers points out that the Vancouver HOG chapter is a non-profit organization actively involved in fundraising for causes such as muscular dystrophy. Most recently the group participated in the B.C. Professional Firefighters' Burn Camp. The camp, which took place in July, gives young burn survivors between the ages of 6 and 18 the chance to meet each other and spend time together in a relaxed environment. Finding that they share similar experiences often helps the youth in their recovery process.

"This is the second year we worked at the camp and it was a huge success," said Rooyakkers. His organization offers young campers an opportunity to ride on a Harley motorcycle or in a hot rod, alongside the owner of the vehicles. Before getting on the motorcycles, Rooyakkers, who serves as the chapters safety officer, gives a short presentation on proper riding attire, including the importance of wearing a helmet, long pants and proper shoes.

"You can't imagine how excited the kids are about the rides. This is one of the highlight of the week," he said. In order for the burn survivors to attend the camp for free, extensive fundraising is required. Rooyakkers and his organization are among the numerous groups involved in the annual campaign. This year, all the money raised from the HOG chapter's barbecues and t-shirt and hat sales was donated to the Burn Camp. "Every, penny of the $4,500 we were able to raise went towards sending the kids to camp," said Rooyakkers. "Without the help of fundraisers and volunteers, these kids would never be able to spend time together."

Peter Hansen, executive director of the burn camp since 1994, said the support volunteer organizations, as
well as B.C. firefighters, provide is vital to the success of the camp. This year approximately 30 to 35 firefighters from all over the province worked with 59 campers over five days. "They (firefighters) donate their time to act as counselors at the camp," said Hansen. "We also have nurses, therapists and older burn survivors that help out.".

Everyone who is involved with the camp is touched by the experience. Rooyakkers recalled an event from the recent burn camp that affected him. He explained that because of disfiguring scars, many of the children are unwilling to go to a public swimming pool. At the camp they have no such reservations. "I was at Alice Lake with the kids and it was wonderful to see them running around freely in their swimsuits," he said. "These kids need a chance to come together and feel the same, not different, because of their scars. The camp makes this happen. "

Waiting to meet up with the 2 bus loads of kids and the councillors.

Even the Councillors were up for a quick spin.

Everyone at the camp has something to do with burns, they all have previous exposure to this trauma. The volunteer Councillors are either firefighters, paramedics, nurses or burn survivors themselves.

While waiting for the kids some of us enjoyed an icecream cone from the local restaurant at Britannia Beach. (not that any of us needed it !)
See what happened in July 2002