The Viking Riders of Rhode Island are a non-profit organization, incorporated in June 1996 by the State of Rhode Island. The Viking Riders are based on Aquidneck Island and are made up of motorcycle riders dedicated to helping those in need. The Viking Riders were formed in 1932.
Donations collected by the Viking Riders go to charities, including Lucy’s Hearth, Wounded Warriors, Child and Family Services, Martin Luther King Center, and Boy’s Town. We also participate in local fund raisers such as the Three Angels and Coddington Brewing Company’s Holiday Hope. We have teams which play in the Aquidneck Island Charity Golf Tournament and Cornhole for a Cause.
The Viking Riders have and continue to support other private and public local causes. Our group supports many individuals and families who are traveling through a tough time in their lives, hoping whatever we do helps them. We also sponsor Little League and Soccer teams. Our club also donates to the Island’s High Schools for their after-prom parties.
Our annual Turkey rides bring traditional Thanksgiving food to families which may not have been able to have a Thanksgiving meal. Over the years, the Viking Riders, with support of the local community, has been able to give more families a better holiday.
The Viking Riders have had annual Toy Runs since 1998. Every year since that time the number of gifts being given to local agencies and families has been growing. In 2007 we held our first annual Toy Drive. We never thought it would turn out to be such a success. We setup in the parking lot of the Newport Wal-Mart for one weekend. With the generous donations of the community, we can deliver about 1200 gifts to families, teens and children. When we make stops on this run, we also give presents to the kids in the neighborhoods who come out to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, an elf, and Frosty the Snowman.
Please scroll through the pictures of our events to see what we are all about. Check out our Events page and join us in giving to the community.