robdale.ca

Reflections Along The Journey

Rise Up And Help Some Bikers

Rob under Bikers, Road Trip
Over the past 24 hours, I have been struck by the power of Social Media. Some argue that you cannot truly connect to others over Facebook or Twitter. Relationships are not “real” unless they take place in real life.
Sorry, but that’s a load of crap.
As many of you know, I spent 25 days travelling the U.S. on my Harley. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet a number of people who I had only know over Twitter. Some invited me into their homes. Some welcomed me as old friends. Connections were instant. Natural.
One of the couples I connected with, and shared about in a blog post, is Jason & Kelly (from HellCatCustoms). They are an incredible couple with beautiful kids. They are part of my “Twitter family.” They are very real friends of mine.
Yesterday, Jase was working on a bike when a wayward spark ignited some fuel. The fire quickly spread. Jase and the others were able to get out relatively unharmed. However, the garage that was being used while the shop moved locations was destroyed. Actually, the garage was part of Jason’s dad’s home. His father is now staying with relatives.
My heart was so heavy for my friends. Many others on Twitter felt that same emptiness. You can see pictures of the fire by clicking here.
Many years ago, I was the victim of a fire. The gas furnace at my house exploded, destroying much of the home. While insurance did come through, the first few weeks were pretty tough for my family. It was not an easy time.
I want to do something that I have never done online. Ever. I am asking for donations to help a biker family. Donations will be deposited in my PayPal account and forwarded directly to their account. Every penny will be sent to them. I’m sure there is a better way to set this up, but I felt that this was the quickest way to do it.
Insurance will cover some of what they’ve lost. However, a few of the bikes and all of Jase’s tools are not covered.
UPDATE: Here’s a before and after picture of Kelly’s bike, followed by a picture of Jason’s bike:
DSCF0410tinqxka
To my biker readers: this is a great way to help out a couple of members of the family.
To my church readers: this is a great way to demonstrate your generosity.
If you’d like to donate, simply click on the Donate button. You can make donations via any of the options listed.
I will start by making a $100 donation. Hope some of you will do the same.
UPDATE: So far, we have seen donations from Ontario (Canada), United Kingdom, Alaska, Wisconsin, and Oregon! Some who have given are total strangers to Jason & Kelly. They are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts.
No amount is too small. And, you don’t have to have a PayPal account. By clicking on the PayPal link, you can donate using any major credit card.

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  1. Maria aka PartyGurle Said,

    Rob, I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on Twitter.
    As you read on Twitter, you know that I have too, experience a house fire when I was in the 8th grade. It was an electrical fire that caught right in the middle of the house. While the whole house did not completely burn, there was heat and smoke damage with everything. We lost about 95% of everything we had. We stayed with a neighbor until the house was replaced, but I remember having to sift through my things to see if there is anything worth keeping. Fires are so devastating. My heart and prayers go out to Kelly and Jase. Kelly is a very positive person who has been there for me when I needed and though I haven’t had the opportunity to meet them as you have, I know that they are truly geniune and kind people.
    I’m truly blessed to have connected with our Twitter family!

  2. TONY (LNGRO) Said,

    I’ve known Jason and Kelly for about a year and half now and I have first hand knowledge of their kindness and generosity. My wife and myself fell on hard times a few years ago when the economy took a dump. I met him at a shop I was taking my bike to, and he was doing work at. I can’t speak for Jase, but, it was an instant connection for me. With me being new to the world of bikers, he was someone I just KNEW I could trust. As time went on, I was very fortunate to meet his fiancé and kids. I really feel blessed to have met them. I can’t count the times they have come through for my family when they didn’t have to. To be there with them yesterday and feel as useless as I did was a moment I hope I never have relive again.

    In closing, I would only ask that if you can find it in your heart, to help my dear friends in their darkest hour.

  3. Disaster « goldiron Said,

    [...] singed hair. My friend Rob Dale of Bikers Church has set up a donation program through his site robdale.ca Kelly and Jason have a great custom bike building biz and a wonderful family, they could use [...]

  4. Faceyman Said,

    Rob…just a short note, thank you for doing this! It renews your faith in mankind!

  5. Darla Dexter Said,

    Rob, you are amazing for doing this! May god bless you.

  6. @FieryPinkGirl (Kelly) Said,

    Thank you everyone who has reached out to us this past couple days. A huge special thanks to Rob for writing this and setting everything up. Jason and I are blessed to have such wonderful people by our side during this trying time.

    Thank you all again! We will never forget you all.

  7. Rob Said,

    Thank you to everyone who has responded so far. It’s truly incredible to see the motorcycle community rise up and help out this incredible couple.

  8. Regina (RegRob) Said,

    Rob,
    It is very thoughtful of you to set up this donation. You are obviously an incredibly kind soul.

  9. Sheila Mitchell Said,

    I am brought to tears and overwhelming warmth that you have risen to the task of doing this for Jason & Kelly! I have never met any of you, but we are friends on Twitter. I will be making a donation and am supporting this full force! Thanks to you Rob for heading up this drive. you will be blessed for this!

  10. Smooth Said,

    I want to personally thank each and everyone one of you for your prayers and thoughts and those who were generous and able to donate. Jase and Kel are the most amazing ppl that I have ever met. Jase has always willing to help others with their motorcycle issues with his unbelievable knowledge. Its difficult to find good souls like both of my friends and even hard to find an honest mechanic and custom builder. Jase has spent a long time getting to where he was before the fire. I talked to him last nite and found out the 3 gallon gas tank on the bike had actually exploded in his face. More than anything I am very happy that he was virtually unharmed by that fact alone. I am thankful he was able to safely get his father and daughter out of there as well.

    I’m just glad Kel and Jase have allowed us to help them in this time of need. The motorcycle community and even those who are not who have helped have completely floored me. As much as I am grateful, I know they are as well.

  11. The Church and the M.C. « robdale.ca Said,

    [...] same time, my mind has been on the biker culture. There’s a bunch of reasons for that. In an older post, I shared about some friends (the aforementioned Kelly and her man Jase) who experienced a major [...]

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