Local Ride for Trooper Marc Diab draws 50+ bikes

The memory of Trooper Marc Diab lives on in the hearts and minds of those who participated in a charity motorcycle ride held in his honour, with funds going to support the War Amps.

About 52 bikes left the Royal Canadian Legion in Petawawa on Aug. 17 and returned after a 107 km ride through Renfrew County. Riders and all other members of the community were then invited to a BBQ as well as live music presented primarily by Music Heals Veterans.

The event was inspired by its sister ride, which has been held in memory of Tpr Diab for the past seven years in Mississauga, Ont., said John MacQueen, Legion First Vice President.

Tpr Diab was originally from Mississauga but served in Petawawa with the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD). When he lost his life in 2009 in Afganistan, his family made his dreams of opening a restaurant come true posthumously. The Madameek restaurants are a much loved staple in the area, and in turn, have returned support to the military in various ways.

“The Diab family is a great part of our community,” added MacQueen.

The ride not only pays tribute to the 22-year-old, but it also helps a great cause.

The War Amps is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadian amputees.

“This event is amazing,” said Public Awareness Officer James Jordan. “What these guys are doing not only for Marc and his family but for the War Amps and the CHAMP Program is beyond words.”

Nearly $20,000 has been donated to the War Amps through the annual rides, funds which help amputees receive much-needed prosthetics and assistance.

Jordan himself is a graduate of the War Amps CHAMP (Child Amputee) Program and knows firsthand how important the generosity of groups such as this is.

“Without veteran groups like this, none of this would be possible,” said Jordan. “To have their support means everything.”

Many children who have a missing limb benefit from getting together with other amputees; it makes a difference in their lives.

“The War Amps was started by army veterans and then they extended it to children,” said Jordan. “So over the years we have fought for veterans’ rights but then the veterans, in turn, helped the child amputees. And we owe them for that.”

Click on an image to enlarge. Photos by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post.