It’s one of Edmonton’s oldest fundraisers in support of Santas Anonymous; and this year Edmonton’s Motorcycle Toy Run marked it’s 33 year
As many as 2,500 bikers, some that have been participating from the very first ride, gathered at Capilano Mall Sunday morning.
“Today we celebrate one of the greatest achievements in Edmonton history, where we come together for the 33rd annual Edmonton Toy Run,” Jay Padilla, who sits on the Toy Run Committee, said. “It’s amazing what this community can do.”
With toys strapped to their bikes, the riders formed a convoy down Whitemud Drive towards Hawrelak Park.
The annual event kicks off the giving season for 630 CHED’s Santas Anonymous Campaign.
“There are so many children in Edmonton that don’t get to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and this is kind of the annual kick-off for Santas and there’s no better way to do it than with toys strapped to the backs of their bikes,” Padilla said.
Santas Anonymous was founded by Jerry Forbes with the simple intention of making sure every child in Edmonton had a gift at Christmas.
Today, the charity relies on hundreds of volunteers to make that happen.
In the three decades since it began, the number of children who receive gifts has grown from 600 in 1955 to over 25,000 last year.
“When these guys come together- it’s really amazing what we can do,” Padilla said.
Sunday’s Toy Run ended with a barbecue and entertainment for the hundreds of bikers who came out to support the charity.
Global’s Gord Steinke took part in the ride.