Hells Angels yet to pay up charity ride funds
PHIL DOYLE/Fairfax NZ Zoom
A heavy police presence accompanied bike ride organised by a breakaway chapter of the Hells Angels around Auckland.
Almost seven weeks after a charity ride by the Hells Angels, the gang's nominated charity is yet to receive the money.
The Ride with the Angels event on February 11 drew a heavy police presence as an estimated 240 patched members of some of the most feared gangs in the country and members of the public cruised around the greater Auckland region.
Event organisers, the Hells Angels MC Nomads, had requested a $20 donation from members of the public in aid of the Red Cross.
New Zealand Red Cross national fundraising manager Alice Montague said they were yet to receive the money though they had been assured it was on its way.
"We have been in contact with the organisers of the event and anticipate receiving a donation in the very near future."
The Red Cross said it couldn't comment on how much money was raised and didn't know when the gang would pay up.
"In terms of the time it takes to receive a donation, there is some variability," a spokesman said.
Patched members from various gangs including the Hells Angels, Nomads, Head Hunters, Black Power, Filthy Few, the Hu Hus and the Redeemed Motorcycle Ministry all participated in the event.
Police photographers snapped photos of many of the gang members taking part and officers confirmed the identity of many wearing their patches, as well as checking whether their bikes had warrants and registrations.
At the time, Superintendent John Kelly of Waitemata police said the ride was "a day where a lot of these guys look upon it as a PR day where they are going to be on their best behaviour".
Other participants were just motorcycle enthusiasts and said they were pleased the Red Cross would benefit.
