With temperatures below zero Sunday morning, it felt a bit more like Christmas as motorcyclists gathered for the 630 CHED Santas Anonymous Edmonton Toy Run.
Thousands of bikers packed the Capilano Mall parking lot, with each motorcycle carrying at least one toy that will be donated to the campaign. Santa then led the motorcyclists through Edmonton to Hawrelak Park, where they officially launched the 35th campaign.
Organizer Jay Padilla says it’s been an impressive showing by the motorcyclists. He says every year, they see new motorcyclists join to help raise money and toys.
“It was amazing to see that many motorcyclists come out with all of those toys strapped to the bikes. It was a great turnout, a great day for us and an even better day for Santas Anonymous.”
“There are literally thousands of motorcyclists who braved the weather to come down and to support Santas Anonymous.”
Organizers fell a little short of their goal to completely fill a 53-foot trailer, but organizers say it was well over three quarters full.
630 CHED Santas Anonymous aims to ensure that every child in Edmonton can open up a new toy on Christmas Day. Through events like the Toy Run and thousands of volunteers and donors, Santas is able to provide gifts to more than 25,000 children each year.
You can always make a financial donation to Santas at its website, or find a donation location and drop off a toy.