About 50 people, made up of both riders and passengers, attended the ninth annual Desiree’s Ride on Saturday, August 17, 2024.
The event was created in support of Susan Gerth’s daughter, Desiree Gallagher, who was the victim of an assault back in May of 2013.
Following the assault, Gallagher, who was 21-years-old at the time, survived a seven-storey fall from a balcony but was left wheelchair bound, partially blind and with short-term memory loss.
The first ride was held in 2014 and together, participants raised $10,000 to support both Gallagher and her family with the rising rehabilitation and medical costs.
After two years of battling, Gallagher later succumbed to her initial injuries on May 14, 2015 at the age of 23.
Throughout the years the ride has carried on, along with golf tournaments and various fundraising nights, and since then, the nonprofit organization has raised over $100,000 for victims of crime with all funds being donated to the Victim Services of Brant.
On Saturday, riders from across southern Ontario gathered at the Knights of Columbus in Brantford to hear from Gerth, president of the Desiree’s Angels: Victims for a New Start, and Donna Dixon, the mother of Billy Mason, who was shot and killed in 2006.
The two spoke about the long lasting impacts of violence to not only victims, but their loved ones as well.
“For those that are here that are victims, or have known someone who is, you will understand why we are here today and how important this cause is,” said Gerth, president of the Desiree’s Angels: Victims for a New Start. “For those that haven’t had to experience this, I pray you never have to. No one understands the pain and the suffering a victim experiences until it happens to you. My daughter’s story is one of many and I choose to talk about her tragedy to bring awareness to what victims have to go through. …It’s a never ending roller coaster and a life sentence.”
Before heading off on their scenic ride to Hoover’s Marina and Wharfside Restaurant in Nanticoke, Larry Brock, MP for Brantford-Brant, took the opportunity to praise Gerth for her work and resiliency.
“I want to highlight and thank this courageous, loud voice that I have standing beside me, not only is she raising funds with events such as this for victims of crime, but she’s raising awareness,” said Brock. “We all need to do our part to raise awareness in our communities that change is needed.”
Shortly after, Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant, later shared similar sentiments about Gerth and her advocacy.
“Thank you for sharing your trauma again, and again, and again,” he said. “The reality is that for the most part, we often forget. We show up here once a year, we help out a little bit, and we feel that we’ve done something… but it’s up to people like you Susan, that continue to remind us of the pain that you’ve been through, continue to go through and the impacts it’s had on your family.”
Overall, Gerth thanked the riders, volunteers and everyone for coming out and supporting the cause.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the board members and committee members, you all have gone above and beyond. Each one of you shows such passion for helping victims of crime and for always keeping Desiree’s memory, her name and her legacy alive,” she said. “I couldn’t have done this without all of you, we have become one big Des family and share a very special bond. I would also like to thank our wonderful sponsors and to the volunteers for donating your time. Without all of you, this event would not be happening.”
On Monday, August 19, Gerth announced that between this year’s charity ride, the Knights of Columbus fundraising breakfast and the golf tournament, Desiree’s Angels were able to donate $10,000 to Victim Services of Brant.
