Although bikers have a tough reputation, they will reveal a softer side when they rally together to raise money for children this weekend from July 14 to 17 in Merritt.

All of the surpluses from the Great Canadian Bike Rally are being split equally between two Canadian children’s charities.

“There’s nothing better than raising money for kids,” said Mike Fairfield, president of the event.

Half of the money brought in after expenses are covered will go directly to the B.C. Children’s Hospital with the other half going to Circle Square Ranch.

“B.C. Children’s Hospital is wide-spanning; Circle Square Ranch is closer to home,” Fairfield said.

“It’s something that can benefit us locally.”

Circle Square Ranch is a Christian kids camp with locations across Canada.

“We are looking for areas to expand,” said Bruce Mann, director of Intervarsity camping ministries at Circle Square Ranch.

Merritt is one of the areas being considered.

“We’re just in the dialogue stage right now,” he said.

“Geographically, it’s nice and central between the Lower Mainland and Okanagan Valley.”

Mann said there are many factors needing to be considered before there would be any plans to build a camp in Merritt.

Some factors that dictate the decision to build a camp include resources, location and funding.

Mann said the money raised by the rally for the non-profit organization would support the staff, operations and campers and potentially a new camp.

“Our fees for camp certainly don’t cover our costs,” Mann said.

Mann said the camp is beneficial to any community.

“It’s a tremendous growth accelerator in terms of leadership skills,” Mann said.

Mann also said it is an opportunity to speak to kids about God “in very sensitive and age-appropriate ways”.

It can’t be said how much money the Great Canadian Bike Rally will raise for the two charities or even how many people will show up because it is the first year.

Fairfield expects approximately 2,500 to 5,000 people.

Money collected from registration, entertainment ticket sales, the raffle for a custom-built Harley Davidson, the raffle for a bandana quilt and donations from the rodeo grounds will all go to the charities. All surpluses from the event will be donated.

To find out more about the Great Canadian Bike Rally visit greatcanadianbikerally.com or come downtown to check out the event.