More than 110,000 participants from over 650 cities worldwide took part in the annual ride on Sunday 30th September to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health issues.
Sydney-based motorcyclist Mark Hawwa and founder of DGR (Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride) says he believes that the idea of a themed ride was a great way to counter negative stereotype of men on motorcycles.
Because of the success of the first ride in 2012, the founder decided to host the ride annually to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.
Stephen Broholm, marketing and public relations at DGR told SBS Urdu: "After 2500 people turned up at the 2012 event in 64 cities, Mr Hawwa wanted to attribute the event to charity and decided to associate it to men's health.
"In 2015, a ride host from Austin, Texas committed suicide, it was then we decided to donate a major percentage of our funds to men's mental health issues as well," he added.
This year’s goal was set to raise $6 million dollars globally, which would be donated to the Movember foundation.
So far, $5.7 million has been raised according to the group's website.
Over 700 riders from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad also took part in the annual ride this year raising more than $7,000. This is the fourth year motorcyclists from Pakistan took part in the initiative.
Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2018 - Lahore Photo by (Maxloxton) Source: Maxloxton
DGR host for Lahore, Ahmad Butt, told SBS Urdu that the ride commenced around 4.30 pm in the afternoon and finished at 6 pm in the evening.
"The riders all gathered at Defence Phase 6 in Lahore and went around a 12-kilometre journey," he said.
"The amazing part is that more than 10 female riders also participated to support the cause."
Vintage classics in dapper style
Another team member, Gul Hasan, told SBS Urdu that the theme of this event was to only ride vintage classic bikes in dapper style dressing.
“I believe it is a great way to counter the negative stereotypes sometimes associated with men riding motorcycles,” he said.
“It's also a great way to meet new people and openly discuss issues related with men’s health.”
Organising team member in Lahore, Adeel Khalid, said that there are still a lot of stigmas surrounding men’s health issues in Pakistan.
“I did not even know about prostate cancer until a few years ago when I found out that my father was diagnosed with it,” said Mr Khalid.
“So I believe in this cause and much-needed awareness to avoid other people getting affected by it.”
Such rides are a great way to get eyeballs and people talking on issues related to men’s health.
Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2018 Photo by Maxloxton Source: Maxloxton
According to Mr Khalid, when more than 200 motorcyclists are riding down the main roads of Lahore, people are bound to reach out to find more about the ride.
“This is when we introduce interested people to DGR’s cause and talk openly about prostate cancer and men’s health issues.” Mr Khalid said.
One concern raised by Mr Hasan is that people are often worried about donating money in Pakistan to overseas organisations.
"People often ask us how are you sure the money will be used to help our local community," Mr Hasan said.
Stephen Broholm responded by saying it's a question the organisation often gets.
"For this reason, we choose open IP clinical programs. So whenever there is a major breakthrough in research there is always spillover effect and helps everyone globally."
Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2018 Photo by Maxloxton Source: Maxloxton
Share
