(Ottawa) – Brant MP, Phil McColeman, welcomed two child ambassadors and more than 80 snowmobilers, from The Great Northern Ride, at a reception in Ottawa today. The Great Northern Ride is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brantford.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event with my fellow Rotarians,” said McColeman. “It’s been an incredible journey for these guys, as this year they expect to reach their goal of $1 million raised in ten years.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper also paid tribute to the riders. “I commend all those taking part in this project for their commitment to improving the lives of children,” said Prime Minister Harper.

The proceeds from The Great Northern Ride benefit Brantford’s children and youth. This year’s child ambassadors, Matthew Latty, 16, and Amber Pelzer, 20, were on hand to celebrate at the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Pelzer, who was born with spina bifida, has been the beneficiary of the Rotary Club of Brantford’s fundraising efforts. “They helped my family to purchase a very costly special medical bed so that I could have necessary back surgery,” Pelzer said.

The Great Northern Ride was started by the Rotary Club of Brantford 10 years ago. “We have pretty much rode the whole country,” said event organizer, Bob Cassie. “We have had a blast raising funds for families that really need it.”

Over the past 10 years, snowmobilers for the Great Northern Ride have covered more than 12, 000 kilometres of snowmobile terrain across Canada in an effort to raise money for Brantford’s children and youth.