Templars Against Child Abuse host fundraiser dinner

Written By KIRA WRONSKA DORWARD

Modern day knights, the Templars Against Child Abuse (T.A.C.A) may ride motorcycles instead of horses, but their ideals of chivalry and charity are the same as their Medieval counterparts. While the original Templars had their own crusades, their contemporaries are dedicated to preventing the abuse of children and helping people unwittingly trapped into sex-trafficking. In both cases, the goal of these 21st Century knights is to protect the vulnerable in our society, and those who cannot speak for themselves. 

Originally founded in Denmark in 1985, the T.A.C.A. is now a world-wide organization with lodges in Belgium, Northern Ireland, Sweden, England, Canada, and the United States. Founder Stone Hoff, a Danish doctor and motorcycle enthusiast, discovered that in assisting abused children in his capacity as a biker, there was a noticeable bond between bikers and children. “One thing led to another,” says Canadian chapter President Brad “Swede” Peel, “and now we're world-wide.” The goal of T.A.C.A. is “to protect children from abuse, and ensure they have a happy, healthy environment.” Their crusade is to ensure “that children do not live in fear.” 

The Canadian chapter, spearheaded by “Swede”, now boasts members all over Canada, and especially Ontario. On March 21st, the Templars had the first fundraiser of its kind at Allegro Fine Dining in Bolton. The restaurant was packed with those in and out of riding leathers, donating their time and money to come together for a worthy cause and a delicious dinner.

“Swede”, as he is referred to by his road name, is an intimidating-looking South African biker with a heart of gold and skull rings on his fingers. “For ten years,” he says, “I've been wanting to help- I just didn't know how. I came across their [T.A.C.A.'s] website, talked to some friends, made some calls, and started our journey. Within a year we had our first case.” 

Though the group is only celebrating its first anniversary, Swede relates to me two recent cases the Templars became involved in, and how they conduct themselves in these situations. One case involved a family of three young children left to fend for themselves with drug-addicted parents, and another involved a young woman who after years of rape and abuse at the hands of her step-father, ran away only to become caught up in a sex-trafficking ring for years. The T.A.C.A. assisted in both these situations, providing support, shelter, and the necessary intervention to get them back on their feet. The young woman, who expressed a desire to go to law school, has now found permanent shelter, and is in daily contact with group members for continued emotional support. These sorts of stories are all too common, even in Canada, and they are the kinds of situations that prompt the Templars to become involved. 

Swede describes the Templars as “an advocacy group for people who can't speak for themselves, that stands against any type of abuse and human trafficking.” Once an individual reaches out to T.A.C.A., which they can through various media listed at the bottom of this article, the group springs into action. However, the Templars want it transparent they are in no way a vigilante group. Their literature reads, “We are not interested in territory or power in the community. Being an order means we work towards one dedicated crusade. We work 100% within the law, working together with the police, social services, and the community. We want to be clear we are not vigilantes - but we will not sit idle when we see a child being abused. If our only option is to physically intervene, we WILL protect that child.”

“Once the call comes in, our five officers will analyze every case, and the case will then be handed off to a two-person primary team and a two-person secondary team, who will work with the victim to get them out of the situation by any means possible…everything we do is within the law. Should the police call, we assist them.”

“Turtle”, the “road name” of another Templar, decided in conjunction with Swede and his wife Badger to open their own chapter in the GTA after becoming dissatisfied with similar groups. “We recruited some more members, and the rest is history,” he says. “As long as there are kids, there's going to be abuse. As long as there are people, there's going to be abuse…the way we see it, is if we help one person, there's one less out there to be helped.”

Speaking of the fabulous dinner, as well as lottery and door prizes that night at Allegro, he added, “This would be considered our first fundraising event of this nature. We were at the Bike Show at the International Centre in January and got our name out there, and it snowballed so to speak.” The long-term goal of the organization would be to have its own safe-house for the group's use, where they might provide individuals in need with a safe and stable environment. 

Of future needs, Turtle adds, “everything up until this point has been all out of pocket expense…we need to have more of these events anyway we can. We also sell merchandise on our website [www.templarsaca.org]. We also accept donations online, and are a registered non-profit organization.”

Mary and Tony Morsilli, otherwise known as Dragonfly and Pheonix respectively, were the primary organizers of the March 21st event. Keeping it in the family, Mary “Dragonfly” Morsilli's sister, Franca, and her husband, Tony, are the owners of Allegro, and when Dragonfly asked for their help in putting on the fundraiser, “they worked with us, they said whatever you want, we'll help you out.” That included closing the restaurant down for the exclusive event, at which was served delicious antipasto and an incredible Pollo all Limone, or Lemon Chicken, that left one's mouth-watering, as well as penne pomodorro, margherita pizza and insalata mista. The Templars could not have chosen a better venue for their first-ever fundraiser, and Allegro outdid itself with its food and service for this worthy cause.

The Morsillis got involved with T.A.C.A. last July, having heard about the cause from Turtle and another member named Crow, whom they grew up with. “We're big on giving back, so it just kind of made sense to us,” said Dragonfly. “It was kind of like a soft spot for us. We're here to help out in any way we can. My huge long-term goal would be to have a home for the homeless children, to help give them a better life.”

Dragonfly, nominally Treasurer of the group, but all-around organizer and spare hand, is already planning Templars Against Child Abuse's next fundraisers, taking place in the summer. Already planned is a July 20 Charity Ride in Richmond Hill, and a June 9th ride to Port Hope ending at Arthur's Pub. 

Being a motorbike enthusiast, however, is not an absolute criterion for membership in T.A.C.A. Although every male in the group is a biker, some women are not. “We don't discriminate,” says Swede. “But it's preferable if you're a biker. But, the organization and the mission come first.”

Although Caledon and Peel might seem like a region not all that affected by issues of child abuse and human trafficking, the opposite is true. Peel region is the largest hub in Canada for traffickers working though the GTA, and child abuse happens everywhere. “We've found that it happens in your own backyard,” comments Swede. “For the general public, be vigilant with your kids, and if a child wants to talk, listen. And of course, if any abuse is suspected, call the police first.”

To become involved with, contact, or donate to Templars Against Child Abuse, please visit their website at www.templarsaca.org, their Facebook page (Templars Against Child Abuse Canada), Instagram account, or Twitter. For general inquiries, please email taca.office@gmail.com. 

If you are calling to report an abusive situation, the T.A.C.A .helpline is monitored 24/7 at 416-827-0274, or email tacatoronto@gmail.com.