It may only be September but, Christmas is quickly approaching. While it may be a very joyous time of year for many, it’s not necessarily a time of year all Edmonton families look forward to. Some simply cannot afford to buy gifts for their children.
That’s where the people at Santas Anonymous come in. The organization is devoted to bettering the lives and delivering Christmas spirit to less fortunate children in Edmonton. This year, Santas Anonymous will provide Christmas gifts to about 25,000 less fortunate children in Edmonton alone.
To help get its annual campaign underway, the 29th annual Edmonton Motorcycle Toy Run was held, Sunday morning.
“This is huge, it really kick starts the program, it gives us toys so that when the volunteers come in November they have something to wrap, we can start preparing the gifts for the kids that we’re going to deliver to,” said Lana Nordlund, Executive Director of Santas Anonymous.
“It’s really amazing that in Edmonton, in our economic conditions, that there are still around 25,000 children out there that don’t get to celebrate Christmas,” explained Jay Padilla, Edmonton Motorcycle Toy Run Committee Member.
Nearly 5,000 bikers participated in the ride, which began at Capilano Mall and proceeded through the streets of Edmonton. Each participant is asked to bring either a new toy or monetary donation for Santas Anonymous.
“5,000 bikers with toys strapped to the backs of their bikes, all going for a great cause,” said Padilla.
The ride ended at Hawrelak Park, where the toys were loaded into a trailer. They toys will be wrapped up and handed out to less fortunate children, this December.
“It all goes to make sure that every child here in Edmonton has a great Christmas,” said Padilla.
He says year after year the event continues to grow, and it’s all thanks to the great community of motorcyclists in Edmonton.
“It’s just absolutely fantastic to see all the different clubs come together, and people that don’t belong to a club. It’s like, leave your egos at the door and just come down and have fun and participate. In the long run it’s for the kids and that’s what counts,” said Norlund.
“They may look like they’re wearing black leather and drive bikes but, man deep down they’re some of the nicest people that we have in this great city,” added Padilla.
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