How The Growing Community of IBEW Bikers Are Using Their Passion to Give Back

 

“You have to think of a union like a potluck. Bring something to the table, don’t just take from it.”

For 52-year IBEW member Ray MacNeil, that something is building community through a common interest among IBEW members: two wheels and an open road.

A gregarious individual, Ray is full of interesting stories derived from a life well lived. With an outgoing personality and an action-oriented approach to life, he’s always thinking, “What’s next?”  

It didn’t take long for Ray to find a group of members who loved to ride. Word spread through their home local, Local 424, and the group continued to grow. Soon, members from other locals in the province expressed interest, and the “Alberta Crew” was formed with members from Local 424 and Local 1007. But it didn’t stop there. Soon, ‘what’s next?’ was the position of National President of the IBEW First District Motorcycle Groups and helping members in Winnipeg, Saskatchewan and British Columbia formalize the “Midwest Crew” and the “BC Crew.”

Organized rides soon grew to a larger philanthropic endeavour that attracted broader participation and purpose. Having spent over a decade hosting smaller charity runs, the Alberta Crew hosted the 1st Annual CDN Solidarity Ride in 2023, bringing together riders from Crews across Canada.

 

One year later, in 2024, the 2nd Annual CDN Solidarity Ride tripled in participation, with nearly 50 participants from across Canada and the US. Together, the group raised $6,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Patient Financial Assistance Program (ACF PFAP). Including their smaller runs, the Alberta Crew has raised $124,000 for ACF PFAP and another $17,000 for other organizations over the last 15 years.

“I love bringing people together,” shared Ray. “I’ve been presented with some great opportunities in my life. And when you can bring people together to share in the beauty of life on the road, all while giving back in a meaningful way, it’s incredibly fulfilling.”

First District International Vice President Russ Shewchuk hopes more members will follow Ray’s lead. “Being part of the IBEW offers rewarding opportunities beyond the job site. Members can be as active as they wish,” Shewchuk states, stressing that being ‘active’ can be as simple as attending a meeting. “We hope they get involved in some capacity.”

Looking ahead, the Canadian ‘Crews’ are setting ambitious goals for the future. In addition to IBEW Locals, Ray hopes to open participation up to other Building Trades Unions. “We’re all on the job sites together, yet sometimes there’s tension over jurisdiction,” says Ray. “Let’s celebrate our community values and, collectively, do something good.”

The 3rd Annual CDN Solidarity Ride is set to take place in Hinton, Alberta, from August 1-3, 2025. The official charity run will occur on August 2nd to Jasper National Park, past Mount Robson & Valemount in the Rocky Mountains, and on to Avola, British Columbia. The ride will be approximately 3.5 hours each way, boasting ‘…some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see.”

Participants can expect a well-planned event hosted by the Alberta Crew. The Crew has even gone as far as to suggest the most scenic routes enroute to the Ride to ensure participants experience as much beauty on the road as possible. As with past Rides, stops are thoughtfully planned, choosing legions to honour veterans and support local communities. IBEW motorcyclist enthusiasts from across North America are invited to come together in this shared passion to raise money for a good cause…and maybe share a few laughs and make new friends and memories along the way.

To learn more and register (hotel spots are limited), please visit the CDN Solidary Ride’s newly launched website. Proceeds will support the Patient Financial Assistance Program at the Cross Cancer Institute.