GORE BAY—Regardless of whether it is to benefit a child or adult, Justin Harris is always willing to help support and benefit those around him.
Along with being a veteran of the Gore Bay Volunteer Fire Department, Mr. Harris is Sergeant of Arms of “The Guardians of the Children” Motorcycle Club chapter in Sudbury. “Guardians of the Children (GOC) is a non-profit organization comprised of motorcycle enthusiasts that use motorcycles as tools to help children who have overcome child abuse (ages 0-17) become strong, confident and courageous again. Once a child has made an outcry of abuse and the criteria for our support is met that child is adopted into our family as a ‘Little Guardian,’” their website states.
“Members of GOC will escort the child to court, attend school and social events at the child’s request, provide protection and support and sponsor ‘Little Guardian’ private events, yearly. The goal of these events is to provide a safe space where the Little Guardians can have fun, socialize with others that have experienced similar trauma and forget for a moment about the fear, doubt and insecurity that was forced upon them at such a young age. Every child has all the power and strength within themselves, just like a motorcycle on the open road, and the biker behind it, we just encourage them to unleash it as we fight their demons together,” the GOC website explains.
“I have a Little G under me, and if they have issues or just bummed out, I will go over to Sudbury and talk to them and see how they are doing,” said Mr. Harris. “We can take them out on our motorbikes if they want to and if the family gives the okay, and take them for ice cream or to go bowling. We do things with them. It is like the Big Brother program.”
“These kids deal with all different types of abuse, mental and physical, and we will sit in court with them and be that support that lets them know they don’t have to be scared, that there is someone there for them,” said Mr. Harris.
“The GOC program was started about 26-27 years ago in Texas by four people including a police officer, lawyer and doctor,” said Mr. Harris. “It is now a world-wide program. The location closest to us is in Barrie,” he said, noting, “the Sudbury chapter started in May of last year. You will see me with a club vest on. We have been trying to get out name out there, which has been kind of hard to do. We’re still kind of green. Depending on the situation, if a ‘Little G’ has an idea for something they would like to do we will see if we can hold this event for them. We cop out at 18, when a ‘Little G’ can then become a member of the club as a volunteer, as a member of the club.”
“It is a non-profit organization, we receive no funding from anyone, but we do accept donations,” continued Mr. Harris. “And we will be working on events like possible raffles. The president of the club and myself are going to try and get one (chapter) started on the Island.”
The Sudbury GOC has between 8-10 active riders currently. “We are always looking for more members, volunteers and supporters,” said Mr. Harris. “And, if anyone would like to donate to our group, we are very grateful for any support we receive.”
Mr. Harris explained he had got involved in the GOC by former Gore Bay resident Joel Glaude while he worked at Manitoulin Transport. “Joel was president of GOC and was telling me about it. I had been involved in Million Dollar Smiles (which is similar to the Make a Wish program) for five years prior to moving to the Island.”
“Kids have enough to deal with living in the world the way it is currently,” said Mr. Harris. “They should not have to feel scared or uncomfortable at home, and if I can help to make a kid smile it makes a difference in the world.”
Mr. Harris, who was born and raised in Toronto, moved to Manitoulin, specifically Gore Bay on November 1, 2014. “Oh my God it has been a great move. I just decided to move up here; life called for me to move here. My mom and siblings were here. It is the best decision I ever made. And it is particularly good for my children, and not having to be stressed wondering if my kids are going to make it home at the end of school every day.” He has three children.
Mr. Harris has been a volunteer firefighter in Gore Bay, “almost nine years now. I started just after my youngest son was born. I had no intention of joining the fire department. At the time I was working three jobs, one full-time, at the grocery store part-time and working for James Martin doing odd jobs. I was working seven days a week. Then one day I didn’t want to work and I told James dad I couldn’t help him because I had fire practice that night.” “James came in and told me ‘you have to go to fire practice now, you told my dad that you were going to,’ said Mr. Harris. “It’s the best thing I could do, and I have not regretted a day being on the fire department.”
“I can even remember the happiest day I have been as a firefighter,” continued Mr. Harris. “It was during fire prevention week, and we were at the school (C.C. McLean) talking to the students about fire safety. We went into each class with all our fire gear on. Our fire chief, Mike Addison, had told us if and when we have to respond to a fire it is best if the kids see us in full gear, so they aren’t scared of us. We went into my daughter’s classroom and her friend and classmate, as I was taking off my mask, said, “isn’t that your dad? He is a firefighter!”
“Then there was the time after fire prevention week I was working in the grocery store and a student was in the store shopping with his parents. He just kept staring at me, you could tell he knew me from somewhere but couldn’t remember where. All of a sudden he said, “you’re Jack’s father, you’re a firefighter!” I just melted because I had made an impact on someone so young. It was so touching knowing I had made a connection with a young person as a firefighter. My son wants to be a firefighter. And he wants to ride on the motorbike all the time.”
“I have never regretted even for a day being a firefighter,” said Mr. Harris. “And the group of people we have on the fire department are an amazing group. They all have a lot of great ideas, and every single one of them is a friend of mine.”
