Showing support for those who need it most, and letting people know that they aren't alone, that people care - that was the name of the game for the third annual Protection for the Unprotected Show and Shine in Ashmont this weekend.
The Show and Shine featured a dazzling display of vintage and modern cars, trucks, and motorbikes, live music, food and clothing vendors, auctions, a motorbike stunt show from stuntman Justin King, a kids’ open mic night, and more.
Bands that played throughout the event include Ten Foot Tuque from Cold Lake, Mumbo Jumbo from Frog Lake, and the Blues Puppy Trio from Edmonton.
“This whole thing is pretty awesome,” agreed 'Fudd' and 'Pee Jay', who came in from Saskatchewan to sell popcorn and cotton candy at the event. “There's all these bikers, but also people who just want to have fun, man. It’s really great.”
Over 600 people made their way to Ashmont for the festivities, and families of all shapes and sizes were present to enjoy the loud rockin' music, activities, and gorgeous weekend weather.
“We had a couple of things in mind this weekend, as we do each year,” said Trevor Smith, Protection for the Unprotected spokesperson and one of many event organizers. “Protection for the Unprotected is made up of a bunch of rough-looking bikers, but that doesn't mean that we’re bad people. We want people to see that even though we have beards, piercings, and tattoos, we actually have hearts of gold. And we also want to raise awareness for our organization and what we stand for.”
Protection for the Unprotected in a non-profit charity society that seeks to stop child abuse in any form by promoting public awareness, acting as an advocate for children, and partnering with other similar support groups.
An important aspect of the show and shine in Ashmont was raising funds for a public awareness campaign being run by Protection for the Unprotected, the aim of which is to create abuse-free communities.
“We're planning a poster campaign to coincide with the start of the school year in September,” said Smith. “The posters will show both adults and kids the dangers of child abuse and bullying, and will help them to realize that it harms everybody.”
Funds raised during the show and shine will be put towards the cost of printing and placing the posters throughout the region, and will also contain information and phone numbers that victims or potential victims can call to get help.
After the event wrapped up, Smith spoke about his feelings on how the show and shine helped display how important it is to the community to prevent abuse of any kind.
“The motto of Protection for the Unprotected is 'We Will Not Go Away' and we definitely aren't going to. A big event and awesome turnout like this just shows the power of the cause that we support.”
