Harley Owners Namibia host charity motorcycle show with life-saving impact
The roar of engines and the spirit of generosity came together at the 4th Annual Motorcycle Show, hosted by the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Namibia at the Old Wheelers Club in Olympia earlier this month. More than just a showcase of chrome and horsepower, the event was a heartfelt rally for charity supporting both the We Care Foundation and a critical blood donation drive in partnership with the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS).
Zita Tobin, Marketing and PR officer at NamBTS, described the event as “extremely important” to the organisation’s mission, highlighting the second year of their involvement due to the overwhelming success of the first. “Last year we had more than 100 blood donations. This year, we’re pushing for 120, that’s potentially 360 lives saved,” she said.
Only 1% of Namibia’s population currently donates blood, a statistic Tobin hopes to see increase.
“Our goal is to eventually reach 3%, maybe even 10% one day. And we know bikers are the best people to help get us there they’re fearless, they have the biggest hearts, and they understand the need.
”Donors were thanked with custom-made cooler bags, hot dogs, non-alcoholic beers, and collectible biker badges and stickers, a token of appreciation for their life-saving contributions. But the event wasn’t just about needles and donations.
Vincent Van Rooyen, assistant director of HOG Namibia, emphasised the deeper purpose of the event. “We want people to come out, see what the biking community is about. It’s not just tattoos and leather it’s about giving back. It’s about family, safety, and service.” This year’s chosen beneficiary, theWe Care Foundation, works with vulnerable communities including the elderly and underprivileged children, a cause that deeply resonated with the HOG Namibia chapter. “One day, we’ll all be elderly. We'd want someone to care for us, and that starts with us giving back now,” Van Rooyen said.
The event featured a diverse crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts and families, and drew participation from multiple riding clubs including the Hells Angels Namibia, who travelled from Swakopmund to join the cause. The sense of unity among bikers, regardless of club affiliation, was palpable. “Harleys are built for comfort and cruising,” said Van Rooyen with a grin. “But they’re also built for the community. We train our riders not just for the road, but for how to ride safely in crowds, and how to give back.” When asked how aspiring bikers could join the movement, Van Rooyen encouraged newcomers to start small. “Don’t jump straight to the biggest Harley. Start with something manageable, learn the ropes, and eventually, if you buy a Harley, you get a free HOG membership. It’s more than a club. It’s a brotherhood, and yes, even sisters are brothers here.”
The event also served to bust some of the most common myths about blood donation, including fears around tattoos, diabetes, and high blood pressure. “If your tattoo is over two years old, you can donate. If you’re a diabetic and your sugar is controlled, you can donate. And yes, even if you’re scared of needles. It doesn’t hurt as much as people think,” Tobin reassured. And while the motorcycle show drew crowds with gleaming bikes and biker camaraderie, it was the underlying message that left the biggest impact: You don’t have to ride a Harley to save a life you just have to show up.
Zita Tobin, Marketing and PR officer at NamBTS, described the event as “extremely important” to the organisation’s mission, highlighting the second year of their involvement due to the overwhelming success of the first. “Last year we had more than 100 blood donations. This year, we’re pushing for 120, that’s potentially 360 lives saved,” she said.
Only 1% of Namibia’s population currently donates blood, a statistic Tobin hopes to see increase.
“Our goal is to eventually reach 3%, maybe even 10% one day. And we know bikers are the best people to help get us there they’re fearless, they have the biggest hearts, and they understand the need.
”Donors were thanked with custom-made cooler bags, hot dogs, non-alcoholic beers, and collectible biker badges and stickers, a token of appreciation for their life-saving contributions. But the event wasn’t just about needles and donations.
Vincent Van Rooyen, assistant director of HOG Namibia, emphasised the deeper purpose of the event. “We want people to come out, see what the biking community is about. It’s not just tattoos and leather it’s about giving back. It’s about family, safety, and service.” This year’s chosen beneficiary, theWe Care Foundation, works with vulnerable communities including the elderly and underprivileged children, a cause that deeply resonated with the HOG Namibia chapter. “One day, we’ll all be elderly. We'd want someone to care for us, and that starts with us giving back now,” Van Rooyen said.
The event featured a diverse crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts and families, and drew participation from multiple riding clubs including the Hells Angels Namibia, who travelled from Swakopmund to join the cause. The sense of unity among bikers, regardless of club affiliation, was palpable. “Harleys are built for comfort and cruising,” said Van Rooyen with a grin. “But they’re also built for the community. We train our riders not just for the road, but for how to ride safely in crowds, and how to give back.” When asked how aspiring bikers could join the movement, Van Rooyen encouraged newcomers to start small. “Don’t jump straight to the biggest Harley. Start with something manageable, learn the ropes, and eventually, if you buy a Harley, you get a free HOG membership. It’s more than a club. It’s a brotherhood, and yes, even sisters are brothers here.”
The event also served to bust some of the most common myths about blood donation, including fears around tattoos, diabetes, and high blood pressure. “If your tattoo is over two years old, you can donate. If you’re a diabetic and your sugar is controlled, you can donate. And yes, even if you’re scared of needles. It doesn’t hurt as much as people think,” Tobin reassured. And while the motorcycle show drew crowds with gleaming bikes and biker camaraderie, it was the underlying message that left the biggest impact: You don’t have to ride a Harley to save a life you just have to show up.
