City Coast Motorcycles proudly supports Wollongong’s Bikers 4 Heroes. Stu Butler AKA Captain America tells how his league of superhero motorcyclists are helping our locals who need it most….
What motivated you to form the group, Bikers 4 Heroes?
It came about for a few simple reasons; to put smile on kid’s faces that are doing it tough, to provide financial assistance to families who quite often struggle due to financial restraints and to live by our motto, ‘Life isn’t always fair so let’s make it fun’.
We formed because life isn’t fair and unfortunately some children have to battle villains, daily. These villains don’t have to be in the form of what we know through comics but in illness. We join the children and their families in this battle.
When did you begin?
Bikers 4 Heroes formed following the 2018 Illawarra Convoy in November. Initially, we started with five or six superheroes and held our first public event on Australia Day 2019. We walked in our costumes from Shellharbour all the way to Wollongong Harbour in 36 degree temperature!
Who do you support with your fundraising?
We have had the pleasure of helping a few families along our journey by holding events just for them and also raising funds for Illawarra Convoy in our bid for lead bike in 2019. Through this experience we don’t just help these families one-off. These children and their families and now our family.
Are you a registered charity?
We are not a charity; we are a group who raise funds for individual families who are in need. We pride ourselves in ensuring 100% of funds raised go to the families that we help. We also raise funds through the Illawarra Community Foundation for the Illawarra Convoy.
Awesome! What have you got planned for Illawarra Convoy?
Bikers 4 Heroes are raising funds for lead bike in the 2019 Illawarra Convoy. This entails placing a ‘bid’ prior to Convoy to ride at the ‘head of the pack’ of over 1000 motorcycle enthusiasts. The events that we hold throughout the year (when we aren’t helping individual families) are for our lead bike bid.
What superhero characters do you have on the team?
We currently have 15 superheroes and two other committee members who all play an integral part in this super team.
Deadpool – Ryan Reynolds
Spider-Man – Daniel Barnes
Captain America – Stu Butler
The Hulk – Jim Parkinson
Iron Man – Joshua Hole
Batman – Matt Dubois
Antman – Adam Deaves
Thor – Dave Drain
The Flash – Durant Rugg
Batgirl – Emma Kearns
Robin – Jenna Kalsow
Green Lantern – John Butterly
Wolverine – Matt Kalsow
Black Panther – Mitch Butler
Supergirl – Teagan Paterson
Two of our hardest workers – Kayla Butler & Shay Parkinson – form part of the Bikers 4 Heroes committee.
What types of events do you present?
We have held so many events and are forever coming up with new and better events. Some of the events we’ve had and are planning include superhero walks, trivia nights, family fun days, motorcycle rides, car cruises, a show & shine and the Masquerade Ball.
We also have an exciting venture underway with an amazing not-for-profit group called, Supertee who make medical-grade garments for little superheroes doing it tough.
What has been your most memorable moment so far?
It’s difficult to pinpoint one most memorable moment. All events have been fantastic, but I think the most incredible thing is being able to witness the children and their families forgetting about the tough times for even a few moments. It’s absolutely amazing and warming to our hearts.
How much money have you already raised for the Illawarra?
You’ll have to wait until we do our live bid on November the 13th on i98FM with Marty, Christie and Crammy. For individual families we have managed to help them with medical bills and assistance.
How can people be involved with your causes?
Follow us on Facebook and come along to our events. People can also donate to Bikers 4 Heroes through our Illawarra Convoy page. We hold events that cater for children and adults.
What does it take to become a member of your team?
People can direct message our Facebook page and submit an expression of interest.
Connect with Bikers 4 Heroes on Facebook
Connect with Bikers 4 Heroes on Instagram