What began as a shared love of motorcycles and the freedom of the open road has grown into something far greater. This year, Ellesmere Port’s Robbers Dogs has proudly announced its official registration as a charity, marking a major milestone in the club’s journey and cementing its commitment to giving back to the community.
First formed many years ago by a small group of riders, the club was originally created as a community of individuals who shared a passion for motorcycling and the comradery of having people to rely on and stand with. Weekly rides, charity runs, and social events quickly became introduced as a regular part of the lifestyle.
Over time, the club began supporting local causes, fundraising for families in need, and volunteering at community events. Over the years the club has contributed to the local community and beyond, organising ride-outs to raise money for hospitals, collecting and distributing food hampers to those in need, or simply showing up to support those facing difficult times. The members consistently demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and unity.
‘’We have actively been doing charity work for years already, putting events on for the public, raising money for health centres and providing people with refurbished mobility scooters. Gaining charity status now provides us with the opportunity and resources to do more.’’ – Ian, Club president.
Charity status brings new opportunities for the club, such as the ability to apply for grants, work more closely with other organisations, and provides reassurance to the community that all funds donated are managed responsibly. It also solidifies the club’s long-term vision to ensure that its charitable efforts continue to grow and make a meaningful difference for years to come.
Last week the club convoyed up and attended several addresses around Ellesmere Port, providing those in need with food hampers to make this expensive and often difficult time of year that little bit easier. The club then stopped off at Aaron Court care home to spend some time with the tenants, delivering biscuits and snacks and spending the time to talk to the onlookers and admirers about the 2 wheeled machines that had just made all that racket coming down the road.
The club is keen to challenge outdated stereotypes that are often associated with motorcycle clubs. Members of the RDEP come from all walks of life—engineers, tradespeople, healthcare workers, parents, military veterans and retirees—all united by a shared belief in loyalty, respect, and community spirit as well as helping the people in need. The newly registered charity plans to focus on tackling issues such as mental health, children and families in need, veterans’ support and community support.
After years of holding monthly Charity Rock Night’s and putting on a yearly Biker Rally with hundreds of attendees and an abundance of musical artists, the club has moved towards a more inclusive atmosphere, catering to people of all music tastes and interests. Ellesmere Port’s own Deputy Mayor was even in attendance at the Robbers Dogs Christmas party.
As the engines continue to roar and the mileage increases, RDEP is ready to pave the road to compassion, generosity, and real change. With charity status now attained, the club is ready to ride forward with an amplified sense of purpose, to create positive change. The club urges the community to reach out to their Instagram or Facebook if they feel there is a particular cause they feel would benefit from the Dogs’ support, or even if they are too a motorcycle enthusiast looking for a like-minded bunch to swap stories with.