N.C. Rescue Squad Plans Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser
May 09--THOMASVILLE -- Members of the Thomasville Rescue Squad are calling for the assistance of all motorcycle riders.
TRS will hold its Fifth Annual Ride to the Rescue on June 4. The cost is $20 for a single rider or $25 for a double rider, with lunch provided after an 85-mile ride through Davidson, Randolph and Montgomery counties. Registration at the TRS, located at 212 Pine St., will begin at 9 a.m. June 4, and kickstands will go up at 11 a.m.
"I think it's going to be absolutely gorgeous," said James Shores, chief of Thomasville Rescue, referring to the ride.
Shores said last year's ride brought out about 40 motorcycles. This year, the rescue squad would like to raise $2,500.
"It is extremely critical this year because of losing the funding of United Way," Shores said.
The Thomasville and Davidson County rescue squads were not part of the United Way of Davidson County funding. According to United Way officials, the TRS didn't receive its funding because representatives failed to attend a financial presentation in December 2015. Shores couldn't make it because of a work-related injury, and the chairman of Thomasville Rescue could not make it due to his work schedule at Thomasville High School. Davidson County Rescue Squad didn't receive its funding because representatives failed to turn in quarterly statistical reports on time for the 2015 allocation.
Shores is calling on the community's assistance in the ride and for donations. He said every penny donated to TRS would be used to pay the fuel bills, maintenance costs and resupply medical supplies.
"We don't get paid," Shores said. "We don't charge you when we go to a call."
Thomasville Rescue received $18,840 for its 2015 allocation from United Way. For the 2015-16 fiscal year, it also received $20,000 from the City of Thomasville and $17,500 from Davidson County. TRS is requesting $50,000 from each for the 2016-17 fiscal year. Members also rely on private donations because it takes an estimated $130,000 annually to run TRS.
Even without United Way funding, Shores said his agency would not cut back on responding to calls. He vowed to pay out of his own pocket if need be to respond.
"We will be there for the citizens of Thomasville and Davidson County," the chief said.
TRS services are crucial because there are only two ambulances stationed in Thomasville, he said. When those two are on calls, ambulances have to come from Midway, Wallburg, Lexington or Denton. Having a TRS first responder on scene in a timely manner saves lives, he said.
"Without the rescue squad and EMS working hand in hand, that person has a less chance of survival," Shores said.
In addition to registering the day of the event, anyone who wants to preregister for Ride to the Rescue can visit Thomasville Rescue, and participants who have large groups can call (336) 472-7520 to preregister. The rain date for the event is June 5.
Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at (336) 249-3981, ext. 217, or darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com. Follow Darrick on Twitter: @DispatchDarrick
Copyright 2016 - The Dispatch, Lexington, N.C.
