A group of motorcyclists representing an anti-abuse non-profit organization rolled through Cranbrook on Sunday.
Against All Abuse (AAA) founder and president, Jon Graham said the group formed about 10 years ago, after the death of one of his close family members.
“My cousin, Chris Ball lived in Calgary, and he was out in Fort St. John. He was attacked by four strangers, and he was with a co-worker, both working in the oil industry,” said Graham. “They were both knocked unconscious, my cousin went down, and hit his head on the ground. One of the four attackers kept kicking him in the head.”
Graham said Ball was comatose when he was air-lifted to a hospital. Ball succumbed to his injuries and passed away 12 days later.
Graham said he organized a memorial motorcycle ride in Ball’s honour, which gained momentum over the years.
“We support victims of abuse, small organizations that deal with them one-on-one,” said Graham. “100 per cent of our funds go to the cause. We’re 100 per cent volunteer-based.”
He said Made By Mama, the Boys and Girls Club, and various veterans groups receive support from AAA.
The AAA volunteers live mostly in Calgary, but Graham said some have moved to other places in Alberta and into B.C.
Their 10th annual ride will take place on August 20th in the Calgary area.
The full interview with Jon Graham can be heard below.
More: Against All Abuse website
