ROCKPORT, Maine — Cyclists in Rockport often begin their group rides outside of Maine Sport Outfitters, but on Saturday morning, Camden resident Karla Doremus-Tranfield and more than 50 others met for something unique: a ride for a cause.
"It's just a fun way to raise awareness of the good work local food pantries are doing and raise awareness that some people are struggling," Doremus-Tranfield explained while surrounded by the group of cyclists.
Doremus-Tranfield is the organizer of the "Turkey Ride" and says the event began six years ago as a way to support the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry during the holiday season.
The group's six-mile ride involves two stops, the first being at a local Hannaford Supermarket where each cyclist goes in and buys a frozen turkey as well as any other foods they'd like to donate.
"People will buy boxes of stuffing, cans of cranberry and vegetables, whatever we can stick in our backpacks," Doremus-Tranfield said.
While finding the best spot to fit a 10-pound bird on a bike isn't the easiest task, riders like Stephanie French say it's worth it knowing the food is going to people in need.
"I don't know how many of us are just one or two paychecks away from needing to go to the food pantry ourselves, so it's a great community way to say we are together," French explained.
After loading their food items up, cyclists then headed over to their last stop where they get to drop off their donations over at the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry where staff members were waiting to greet them.
"It's exciting to see all the bicycles come up the hill and then ride into this parking lot..." Pantry President Debbie Milliken explained that the donations will help feed more than 50 families during a time of the year that can be especially hard for people already struggling. "It's very heartwarming to know that we're helping families in need, people don't realize there are many families in our communities that need support."
The "Turkey Ride" has grown each and every year, and rider Vicky Doudera says she hopes it will inspire others to give too.
"You know, just think, if they can share, if they can give a donation, if they can drop off some food, our food pantries really need it," Doudera said.
Members of the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry say you can also donate to support families during the holidays through their website.
