Jodi Curran, of Niles, is on the board for the Niles Burn Run, a non-profit organization whose annual motorcycle ride raises money for the Great Lakes Burn Camp, a place where young burn victims can go to heal and feel normal again. This year’s ride takes place on July 13 starting in downtown Niles, although festivities run July 11-13 in Niles. For more information go to the website nilesburnrun.com.

Q: What do you do for the Niles Burn Run?

I am on the board and I am the promotions person for the Burn Run. We help out with everything, but my main focus is on promotion. It is my fourth year with the Burn Run. As a board we try to make sure that everybody is connected and if someone needs help we are all there to throw a hand in. We have meetings once a month until we get close to the event, then we do about two a month. We really just work together to make sure we have the best event we can to raise the most money we can for the camp.

Q: How did you get involved with the Burn Run?

My husband and I went on the ride one year and then went up to the camp. After that I wanted to get involved so I went to my first meeting after that year.

Q: What was the experience like visiting the camp?

It is difficult to explain unless you go up and see it for yourself. The kids are in the fire trucks pulling the alarms and there are people on their bikes revving their engines. It is a game back and forth. The kids’ faces are so excited when they get to ride in those fire trucks in a parade on the way to the camp for that week.

Q: What volunteer work is needed this year?

We have a volunteer coordinator this year and her name is Stephanie. We are relying on her to pull together the volunteers. Anybody can come downtown during the event and visit our booth to see what we might need help with. The best way to start is to give your name and then that way the next year you can come and help with anything you want. They can also go to our website nilesburnrun.com and leave a message that they want to volunteer.

Q: Are you in need of donations?

If people would like to donate pop or water we would appreciate that because we give those free to the riders. They can email and say they want to drop it off or they can drop it off at our building (Roberts Service Co., 145 S. 3rd St., Niles).

Q: Why should people get involved?

It gives the kids the chance to be themselves again without anyone looking at them differently. They don’t worry about the scars. They can just go to camp and have fun and be a kid again.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at (269) 687-7720, or emailing him at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com.