Isaiah 40: 31

Back in 1999 one wild and woolly biker by the name of Matt 'Dirt Dog' Janzen got involved with a project called "Wigs for Kids". Being a past Cancer survivor and a father himself, Dirt Dog was moved by the strength and courage of these young Cancer victims. At 6' 2", with auburn locks flowing down his back, the hair he donated went to make many wigs for the kids who had lost their own through Chemo treatment.

This experience increased Dirt Dog's interest and involvement with different children's causes and planted the idea for the Strathmore Poker Run the following year. Matt's thoughts were that if other small communities could host motorcycle events so could Strathmore, even with a mere biker population of thirty or so.

Being a naturally charismatic individual, Dirt Dog's bark was motivation enough to entice his close friends to assist him in organizing the 1st Strathmore Poker Run Like so many other successful events, someone has to step up to the plate to get them going and Matt had to run the event out of his pocket the first two years. The majority of the work was pulled off in the two weeks prior to the run.

With hand drawn posters they canvassed the local businesses and raised $800.00, which was donated to the Children's Wish Foundation. In 2001 they again chose Children's Wish Foundation as their recipient and managed to nearly double the amount raised to $1500.00.

In May of 2002 Dirt Dog informed some of his closest friends that the Melanoma Cancer that he had beat in his late twenties had returned. Now in it's third year, the Strathmore Poker Run (SPR) committee had grown to twelve people. By this time Matt's condition was such that he was staying in the hospital for his treatments.

The committee used their visits to bring all-important points of issue for Dirt Dog's input and final advice. Even from his hospital bed, he mentored all the committee members (green as they were) concerning the planning of the Poker Run.

When June 7 came, Mother Nature was most unkind to the thirteen hardy souls who ventured out regardless and rode the full 300 kilometres of the run. Which incidentally, is the longest poker run in Southern Alberta.

Matt was sprung from his hospital bed the afternoon of the run to attend the site but the old girl was still throwing downpours of teeth chattering weather their way. In a moment of wisdom they decided to hold the rodeo the following weekend.

The weather turned around 180 degrees the day of the Rodeo and the Sun was shining down on the thirty bikes that participated in all the favorite games, plus a show-n-shine complete with plaques for the winners.

Matt never admitted, and none ever mentioned the term 'terminally ill'. In late July, with his treatments concluded Dirt Dog left the hospital and moved in with friends who had taken special nursing courses to be able to give him the care needed.

In late October he returned to the hospital because of complications. On November 23, on his request, his family came and took Matt home to Manitoba. He was overjoyed to be released from hospital one week before Christmas into his mother's care. He had a wonderful Christmas and died peacefully with his mother at his side.

Six of the SPR committee traveled to Manitoba to lay friend and brother to rest. On the return trip to Calgary it was decided that the SPR had to be continued as a Memorial Run for their fallen brother.

Matt's words, "Get it in ya" gave motivation and in early March they started meeting on a regular basis to plan the run. It was decided that the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta would be their new cause, thus keeping children as the focus while including awareness to cancer research.

One of the biggest coups of the SPR committee was the purchase of two carnival type tents. Each sized 30' by 30', they were big enough for the band, a dance floor, bar area, and six picnic tables built by volunteers with material donated by a local lumber company.

Fuelled by the loss of their fearless leader, the committee threw themselves into the project and once again the community rose to the occasion. The Strathmore Hotel came through with cash, a keg of beer, and the use of their facilities. Press Connections and Stewart Publishing did all the design work for the t-shirts.

Kanes Harley-Davidson donated a Calvary oilskin, which was auctioned off to raise $640.00. Calgary Harley-Davidson donated lots of 100th year memorabilia as door prizes. Cochrane Awards supplied all the plaques for the games and show-n-shine.

A local new ryder, Jack McLean made a comment regarding shaving his head. Making that comment once was all it took. Under constant canine peer pressure from the SPR committee Jack came through with his fulfillment to the kids and another $800 was raised when the straight blade stroked his skull. Thanks Jack.

During the party that followed, both sexes were well represented on stage for SPR's 1st 'Bare to Compare' contest raising yet another $800.00 Once again the cheeky antics of showboat bikers demonstrated that you can have a great time while supporting a worthy cause.

The band Moon Glow, who played under a full moon, enjoyed themselves so much they have booked themselves for next years event.

One of the most memorable moments was the awarding of the long Distance Ryder that went to Two Dogs out of Fort McMurray. Even with Two Dog's Shovelhead braking down in Edmonton, he had no intention of missing his brother's Memorial. After being informed his Shovel wouldn't be continuing the trip, he walked out of the service area to the Sales floor and slapped his plastic down on a new '03' FLHT. Moments later he and his idling crew were again rolling down the black top, heading to celebrate the life of their fallen compadre.

Through their great efforts, the '2003 Strathmore Poker Run in Memory of Dirt Dog' raised $3850.00 for the Kids Cancer Care Foundation. They are proud of the fact that there were no accidents... or incidents.

In true biker fashion, everyone attending the past events have been responsible for their own. Event insurance would have negated any benefit from the run to the charity. Luckily one current committee member is in the insurance business and has been able to secure event insurance at an affordable price for upcoming runs.

Plans for next years run are already in the works and the committee hopes to make next year's party as unforgettable as Dirt Dog's Memorial. Any interested in hosting an event to raise funds for a worthy cause are welcome to contact me at ccr@ccryder.com and I'll forward them to the committee. They want all to know that common folk can make a difference, and are willing to share any knowledge they've acquired.

Need tents? The Poker Run's are available, and the rental costs are used 100% towards future charitable events. Finally the SPR committee would like to thank Kristie Clark of Kids Cancer Care Foundation for her unending support and direction.