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Susan Gerth’s message on 9.th Desiree’s Ride was heard loud and clear in Brantford on Saturday morning.
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Gerth’s goal is to raise awareness of the experiences of crime victims and their families in Ontario.
“For those who have not had to experience this, I pray they never have to experience it,” Gerth told drivers and passengers before Saturday’s trip. “No one understands the impact, the pain and the suffering that you experience as a victim until it happens to you.”
About 50 motorcyclists and passengers took part in a scenic motorcycle ride to Nanticoke on Saturday, coming from across Southern Ontario, including Brantford, Woodstock and Norfolk County.
Gerth’s daughter, Desiree Gallagher was a victim of violence. She died in 2015 at the age of 23.
“My daughter’s story is one of many,” Gerth said. “I want to talk about my daughter’s tragedy to raise awareness, and I have great support in doing so. I want to raise awareness of what the victims have to go through. It’s a never-ending rollercoaster and a lifelong sentence.”
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“I have been fortunate to receive so much incredible support from the community, friends, family and especially Des’ family. This support keeps me going and gives me the strength to keep fighting.”
Funds raised at a fundraising breakfast, charity golf tournament and Desiree’s Ride 2024 will provide a check for $10,000 to Victim Services of Brant.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the board members and community members, you have all gone above and beyond,” said Gerth. “Each of you has such a passion for helping victims of crime and keeping Desiree’s memory and legacy alive. I couldn’t have done it without all of you. We have all become one big Des family and have a very special bond.”
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Guest speakers included Donna Dixon, mother of Billy Mason of Hamilton, who spoke about why victim support services are needed.
Brantford-Brant MP Larry Brock thanked Gerth, describing her as a courageous, loud voice. He also praised the board, volunteers, sponsors and participants of the ride for raising money for crime victims and raising awareness.
“Some of you have come every year to support this worthy cause,” said Brock, a former prosecutor.
“We all need to do our part to raise awareness in our communities. Change is needed and we need to get the ear of our local, regional and federal politicians.”
Will Bouma, MP for Brantford-Brant, also thanked Gerth and stressed the need for change.
“Thank you for being here, thank you for your support, thank you for sharing your trauma with us… over and over again,” Bouma said. “Because the reality is, for the most part, we forget. We come here once a year, help a little bit, and feel like we’ve done something, but it’s because of people like you, Susan, that continue to remind us of the pain you went through, the pain you’re still going through, and the impact it has on your family.”
“I believe that when these stories get out and people really understand the extent of the suffering, they will vote for change so that violent criminals stay behind bars and this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”
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