Chickenman “burn” run raises $1,200 for Camp Bucko

By Katherine Grant
For NewsNow

It is the kind of memory that brings a smile to your face even though the sense of loss is never far away.

A Grimsby firefighter, the late Geoff Yellow, loved his motorcycle.

In winter, Geoff would roll his bike into his livingroom to store it until spring.

At Christmas his family would find it strung with lights as it stood in for a tree. The problem with this Christmas tree was that it came with an alarm which made for some startling moments.

Chickenman, as he was known as a member of Brothers’ Keepers Motorcycle Club, was killed in a motorcycle accident May 13, 2011. Geoff was returning home from a ride to Port Dover. At the time of his death he was serving as vice-president of the MC.

On the weekend of July 12, friends, family and fellow riders gathered at Beamsville’s Royal Canadian Legion to honour Geoff by holding a fundraiser in his name to benefit Camp Bucko, a camp for children who have suffered a burn injury.

It was a highly suitable tribute: Geoff was also a passionate fundraiser.

“Every year he volunteered for the Fergie Jenkins Foundation, flying off to Arizona,” said his daughter Heather Peters.

“He was a good man,” said his son David. “He loved being a firefighter, he loved motorcycles and he loved volunteering.”

While the idea to raise funds for the camp was David’s, he is quick to give credit to Geoff’s fellow MC members.

“I give all the credit to these guys, I basically just had the idea and they went for it,” said David. “Camp Bucko just struck my heart when I heard it was for kids that have been burned.”

Camp Bucko is provided free of charge for children ages 7 to 17 who have suffered a burn injury.

The young campers can enjoy a summer camp with swimming and fishing and all the traditional camp experiences without feeling different or alone. It gives them a chance to share their stories and bond with others. The camp couldn’t exist without donations.

The July 12 event raised $1,200 for Camp Bucko. Other events in Geoff’s name have brought in money for McNally House Hospice as well.