On June 6 the Waihī-Thames Valley branch of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club went on a special club ride. Thirty of its members visited four red-stickered properties along the Thames Coast, and presented each resident with cheques for $425 in recognition of the struggles they have faced since the storm events of 2023.
The money was raised at the club’s fundraising event, the Icon 150, in November 2023, which saw participants riding a 150 kilometre course around the Thames Hauraki district and photographing various points of interest.
Club member Chris Good said they were heartwarmed by the emotional responses they received at the visits.
“They weren’t expecting so many people,” he said.
“Some of them burst into tears… it’s such a change from how they’ve been treated.”
Gale Carlson from Ruamahunga was one of the club’s chosen recipients. She said she was thrilled to open her door to the crowd of riders.
“One man was standing there with a big certificate and an envelope,” she said.
“He said, ‘This is for you to have a holiday or for anything that will take the stress away from you.’ It was so lovely of them.”
