Snowarama riders hit the trails in Espanola

Snowmobilers of all ages were out on the trails in Espanola on Sunday in support of Easter Seals’ Snowarma.

Snowmobilers of all ages were out on the trails in Espanola on Sunday in support of Easter Seals’ Snowarma. (Alana Everson/CTV News Northern Ontario)The annual ride raises money to help kids living with physical disabilities and their families is not in its 48th year.

"Well I think all those poor little kids they need help and if I am sitting at home thinking about it I might as well be riding for them," said 86-year-old Georgeline Reynolds, who has been participating in the event for 35 years.

Ryan Vlaad is the Easter Seals Ambassador for the Espanola North Shore area, the 14-year-old was born with cerebral palsy.

"They help with the physical and speech tools that the children need like walkers and orthotics and little devices,” said Cary Vlaad, Ryan's father.

“They help if they can't afford it they are there to help financially, which is a big burden on a lot of families."

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Easter Seals has been helping the Vlaad family since early in Ryan’s childhood.

"Without these devices a lot of these kids can't do what other kids do. So providing support with the walkers helps make them mobile,” said Ryan’s mother, Rachelle.

“He's able to participate in a lot of other things that he wouldn't necessarily be able to participate in.”

Sunday saw 35 riders take part in the Espanola North Shore Snowarama event, raising over $18,000.

Over the past 48 years, Snowarama events across the province have raised more than $18.6 million to help kids living with physical disabilities and their families.

For more information on Easter Seals or this event, visit their Facebook page.