Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Those harmonious HOGs hammered along the highways of Bahrain again at the weekend to raise awareness of breast cancer on their annual trek along the kingdom’s highways.
More than 60 members of the motorcycle group set off from the Harley-Davidson dealership on Budaiya Highway proudly wearing bright colours in support of Think Pink Bahrain.
The charity’s founder Jules Sprakel said: “It was a fantastic ride with a fabulous group. We have been collaborating with HOGs and they never waiver support. They are the first to accept launching breast cancer awareness month.”
The H.O.G.’ers (Harley Owners Group) of Bahrain annually unite on their cruise machines for a breast cancer awareness ride for Think Pink and this year set off in three groups on a journey that took them to Riffa Views and on to Adliya, ending at the pedestrian quarter of Block 338.
“The HOG Bahrain Chapter has supported Think Pink Bahrain with a ride every year for the last six and this year we invited other motorcycle clubs in Bahrain to join us,” added the local group’s director, Abdulla Al Khalifa.
“The Harley Owners Group, with more than a million members worldwide, is actively involved in charitable events among its respective local communities everywhere. Think Pink Bahrain has done a stellar job in creating awareness among the community about breast cancer.
“It also ties in with the HOG objective to pursue partnerships with charitable organisations involved in education, health and the environment. It is always a pleasure to support the Think Pink team in their efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer. The Bahrain HOG members look forward to this annual event which has become an important pillar in our calendar.”
Amongst the riders were Divina and Paul Altman supported by their children, Bradley, 14, and Colby, 13, who had only touched down back in Bahrain the night before after an 18-hour journey following a visit home to Australia.
“We do it every year,” said Harley devotee Divina. “We are very passionate about supporting Jules and the cause and didn’t want to miss it.”
HOG, created in 1983, is a motorcycling club for enthusiasts of Harley Davidson motorcycles. With over a million members worldwide, it is among the biggest of all community-building efforts aimed at serving to promote not just a consumer product but a lifestyle.
The Bahrain chapter was started in 2004 and since then has become the foremost riding club on the island in terms of members and presence. HOG Bahrain Chapter was recognised recently as the ‘best chapter’ within the HOG MENA region for its charitable and community activities. Members take particular pride of this achievement through their efforts with Think Pink and other good causes in the kingdom.
As reported in GulfWeekly, Think Pink Bahrain, a non-profit organisation, has been staging fundraising events and other breast cancer awareness initiatives since 2004.
It donated thousands of dinars during the first three years towards the national mammography campaign after which it also concentrated on education, awareness and diagnosis which is evident in the establishment of its three funds to date.
What started as a one-off event to mark its founder’s 30th birthday has grown into a nationwide initiative. Supporters of Think Pink Bahrain not only continue to work on raising awareness and funds, but they also donate their time, expertise and business acumen to support the ongoing efforts of the charity.
All funds that have been raised through galas, golf days and other fun events has been directed to a national campaign for the early detection of breast disease, which screens women over the age of 40.
Jules said: “Think Pink Bahrain is dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness issues, especially early detection, thereby saving lives. Since inception, Think Pink Bahrain has supported various breast cancer initiatives on the island specifically early intervention, education and awareness.”
This year it’s business as usual for Jules and the team of volunteers continuing with a comprehensive community iCheck initiative. She said: “The campaign has been broadcast since 2013 and continued to stay the same given the power behind the message. This campaign was developed on the basis of a research paper highlighting the power of the male members of the community empowering the females in their immediate families to be breast-aware.
“People are becoming more aware of breast cancer but we still have people across the world listening to taboos which have no evidence. And given a cultural discourse in the GCC, this also needs to be overcome.
“This is, in part, the reason why we have developed a research fund and further announcements will be made at the start of 2016 with all funds raised in 2015 being directed towards this goal.
“We have successfully piloted a local study and believe that the findings will impact how we go about addressing and supporting the people of Bahrain with breast cancer issues.”
*Editor’s note: The highlight of the motorcycling season in Bahrain is the HOG Bahrain Rally. The first was held last year and considered a resounding success. Preparations are on for the second event between November 12-14, which is expected to attract around 500 bikers from Bahrain and beyond. Details of the rally and registration for the event are available at hogbahrainchapter.com and the HOG Bahrain Chapter Facebook page.
