The 23rd annual Motorcycle Poker Derby held by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba - Westman will take place in Brandon.

Riders can already start to collect pledges, even though the event is still two weeks away.

"It's totally optional whether or not participants would like to collect pledges. Any pledges that are collected in the Westman area stay in the Westman area. And it goes to supporting the programs and services that we offer and supply to families, and caregivers, and those living with dementia," said event coordinator Whitney Strachan.

She said the organization's goal is to have at least 100 participants and raise a minimum of $10,000.

"We gather up as many riders as we can to go on a trip throughout Westman during the day, collecting cards at every poker stop and having them raise some money ..." she said.

She says people should register because it's an opportunity to spread awareness and show support.

"It's a long, hard road that families are on when a loved one is diagnosed with this disease, so rallying all that support together helps give them courage and gives them a good feeling to come out and see all that," Strachan said.

The derby will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 18. The registration fee includes breakfast and dinner.

Riders can register and collect pledges online, in office, or they can call 204-729-8320 or 1-800-378-6699 (Wpg).