Altona held its first ever Big Brothers and Big Sisters Trans-Canada Challenge Trail Bike Ride over the weekend.

The event took place on Saturday, September 23, and was said to be fundraising success, with $4,000 being raised in support of mentoring programs in the community.

Riders were able to choose between a 10km ride or the 21km trail ride.

Kerri Bennett, Mentoring Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morden-Winkler, was happy to see the Trans Canada Trail used as an option. This trail is also known as the old railway line between Altona and Gretna. The trail was in good condition even though it had experienced recent rainfall.

The riders enjoyed a BBQ lunch and and were given a free t-shirt. The top fundraiser, Moses Neufeld, even received a brand new bicycle.

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers a wide range of mentoring services and expanded to Altona last fall. The first year in the town was found to be successful, and therefore the organization will be expanding its programming. Volunteer mentors help teach children the importance of education, giving back, and showing respect to family and peers.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for volunteers in Altona. Inquiries about volunteering or to register a child for programming can be made by emailing kerri.bennett@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.

The Trans-Canada Trail between Altona and Gretna was put to use by the bikers