For the 36th year, bikers rode into town with toys strapped to their motorcycles to make Christmas a little brighter for Quesnel children.
Participants in the 36th annual Jimmy Dunlop Memorial Motorcycle Toy Run rode from Sylvia’s Café to LeBourdais Park Sunday (Sept 8) to deliver toys for the Good Cheer program, which delivers Christmas hampers in the community.
“I want to really, really thank you for all the years,” Doug Greenwood told the bikers assembled at the park. “We got involved with Good Cheer in 1989, and when I first started coming down here and seeing you guys come in, it’s such a blessing. I look forward to seeing you here every year.”
Greenwood’s wife, Dianne, is the co-ordinator of Good Cheer, and he told the bikers they make a real difference in the lives of many children.
“You’re making sure children have a good Christmas, so bless you all,” he said.
There were 49 bikes this year, which is down from previous years, but they still brought in a large pile of toys and games.
“I really appreciate what is being done here,” said Greenwood. “It’s such a big thing. The city should be so appreciative.”
Following the ride, organizer Larry Clark presented the ladies’ trophy to Bea Peter, the men’s trophy to Gary Stuart and the junior trophy for the youngest participant to 12-year-old Nevaeh Kueber.
Clark says many of the riders are from Quesnel and the surrounding area. They sometimes get riders from Prince George and outlying areas like Williams Lake, and this year, they had four guys from the Vancouver area that he had met on the highway and given a poster to. They also had a rider from Clinton this year.
Clark has been part of the toy run for more than 20 years.
“Once I got into it, I just kept on with it,” he said. “I’m hoping it goes on forever and as long as I can ride — and more.”
The toys collected by this year’s bikers will be delivered at Christmas, and Clark says they have volunteers from the biking community who help deliver them each year.
READ MORE: A look back on Good Cheer as Hamper Campaign ends
The Toy Run is presented by the Quesnel Asphalt Cowboys, and this year, it was in loving memory of Charles Forknall.
editor@quesnelobserver.com
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