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Group gives away 150 gift bags in Christmas Run
Matua Riders pose with children and staff of the Children’s Pediatric Ward and Nursing stations at the Commonwealth Health Center during the group’s annual Christmas Spirit Bike Run in Garapan on Dec. 10. (Contributed Photo)
The Matua Riders Motorcycle Club distributed 150 gift bags around the island for this year’s Christmas Spirit Bike Run.
The bike run made several stops this year, from the Man’amko Center and the Children’s Pediatric Ward and nursing stations at the hospital, to Karidat Social Services and families at the Garapan Annex and Koberville Estate.
Marie Salas-Igitol, who is secretary of MRMC, said, “The holiday is a source of happiness, the time to connect with people we often do not see so much during the year, to celebrate with those we love and cherish and remember those that are no longer with us. …Although the holiday does not provide everyone with the warmth and joy that it does for me, I believe that the spirits of compassion and giving become even more important to share with those we encounter that aren’t feeling the love.”
A total of 150 gift bags were filled with stuffed animals and goodies for the children at the Children’s Pediatric Ward and children at the housing areas. On top of that, 81 fruit basket arrangements were given away—76 to the mam’amko as well as a $500 donation and two gift certificates from Kanoa Resort for the December man’amko king and queen. Five fruit baskets and five fruit bags were also given to each nurse’s stations at the hospital.
“It doesn’t take a huge gesture to share the season; sometimes the smallest acts carry the biggest weight. Having said that, I am forever grateful to our club members, the businesses who generously donated and supported us, and the volunteers for without them our Christmas Run would not have been made possible,” Igitol said.
Rita Indalecio Reyes, president of the man’amko, said, “I feel very grateful for the Matua Riders. It’s not just the items they bring to us; it’s the thought behind it. Plus they spend time with us year after year and to me, that means a lot.”
