History

It was a beautiful day in Port Alberni when more than a hundred and twenty riders did their run all over again.  All enthusiasts of every make, model of motorcycle arrived at Cathedral Grove.  They were welcomed by the Black Powder Club with coffee, hot chocolate, homemade cookies and fresh donuts (from the Donut Shop).

The sun shone brightly on the bikers parade as they all proceeded en route to Port Alberni (with the R.C.M.P. as escorts).  There were people all along the route through town cheering on the warm hearted bikers bearing Christmas gifts for the need children of Port Aberni.  As everyone arrived at the Fall Fair grounds they were greeted by the Salvation Army band playing "Warriors True".

As everyone got settled into the Kin Hut. filling their bellies with hot dogs, bowls of chili and liquid refreshments, they found ways to warm the chilled bodies.

The entertainment started with the Clown College playing games of all sorts with the children, painting faces and making balloon animals.  Once the kids were happy, the adults started their bike games, ranging from the dart/hoop/ball toss,  plank and pylon run to the basketball and flag drop.  After all the games were finished, presentations were made, toys were loaded into the Salvation Army van and all those who stood about with a grin from ear to ear, applauded to the great success they had that year.  We more than doubled in every aspect of the run, especially the warm hearted participants and merchants.

As the day's events cane to an end the kids went home full of food, goodies and lots of prizes.  The adults dance to the wee hours of the night to some local musical talent.  With the night coming to an end, some people moved on for last call at many of the local drinking establishments.  Most of the bikers took advantage of the bike security available at the Kin Hut and the Somass Hotel.

The next morning the doors opened to a sausage and pancake breakfast sponsored by Hertel Meats.  Everyone mingled around the various swap tables that ranged from new and used bike parts to local crafts.

Due to the double booking of the Kin Hut, we had to look elsewhere to hold our event.  With full cooperation by Peter Hudson, manager of the Greenwood Hotel, we were able to pull off the event without a hitch.  But like all other toy Runs, it rained and we had to cancel the bike games. The kids games were brought indoors where the Clown College, with their inquisitive talents entertained the children with games, face painting and balloon sculpturing.

Presentations were made and pictures were taken with a special appearance by Gerard Janssen (our local MLA), which wasn't the first time he has joined us in our cause for needy children.

This year our music was done by the popular sounds of "No Secrets".  The dance floor was packed with every song played, with the band receiving great reviews.

Saturday morning was bright and clear as over 300 bikes and riders gathered at Cathedral Grove for the 7th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run.  The Black Powder Club was on hand (as they have in the past) with hot coffee and cake and cookies for all.

Mayor Gillian Trumper officially opened the days events and Santa Claus (MLA Gerard Janssen was taking time out from his vacation) to present the toys to Lt. Metcalf of the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army distribute the toys that we received from the bikers and non-bikers alike to the needy kids at Christmas time.

The bike games for the adults went off on schedule and the kids' afternoon was filled with fun and laughter in a carnival atmosphere.

Sunday morning the Shriners were serving their usual tasty sausage and pancake breakfast.  After breakfast the poker run got underway for a relaxing ride out to Taylor Flats and back to town ending at the Arlington Hotel.

It was a bright day and unseasonably warm as about 300 bikes, their riders and passengers met on a Saturday late in September.  Many visitors having made the trek from points east , enjoying the added  bonus of the ride down Highway #4 from Parksville. The parking lot in MacMillan Bloedel's old growth forest preserve known as Cathedral Grove barely accommodated everyone.

The ride started out with the 12 mile trip over "The Hump", as locals refer to the mountain pass, and down into the valley. A K.V.O.S. -TV crew was part of the parade with their Kid Stuff van.

This was the Ninth Annual Toy Run and the non-riding residents of the community have really begun to show support and enthusiasm.  Nothing make a ride more meaningful to riders than the sight of parents and kids crowded along the route.  They came out to hear the combined thunder of Hondas, Harleys and scooters and to see the once-a-year sight of bikes as far as the eye can see.  Small children have learned that if you've been very good and you watch carefully at the beginning of the parade you can catch a glimpse of a special visitor from the far north.  It is none other than Motorcyclist MLA of the Alberni/Clayoquot riding, Gerard Janssen, dressed as Santa Claus.

The Harbour Quay with its circular drive lends itself well to the convoy of bikes as it snakes around the fountain and back up through the downtown area.
The Port Alberni business community responded overwhelmingly and at the end of the ride, the hall filled with toys. Donations of money flowed freely.  Various charities around the community benefited from the proceeds.
The Merry Andrew Marionettes provided part of the children's entertainment and the bike games drew a good response from the adults.  It takes a lot of skill to maneuver the bikes through the course while at the same times tossing rings, balls and darts.  Only the true riders score well and end the course with a healthy push of the barrel.

A great time was had by all at the dance that night.  The band, "Flashback" and liquid refreshments combined to make a safe and lively celebration. Meanwhile, the Merry Andrew Marionettes performed at Echo Village for the elderly of Port Alberni.

The traditional pancake breakfast by the Shriners and a poker run to Taylor Flats and back to the Arlington Hotel rounded off the festivities for 1993.

September 18 to 24 was dedicated as Toy Run week in Port Alberni.  This was our second year.  The week started out with three days at the Alberni Mall.  We displayed bikes, trophies and toys that were donated in Memory of Al Williams and Mark Boxrud.  We also had the local hospital display their plans for the new hospital.  We had many of the locals visit our display.

The Toy Run committee would like to take this time to thank all those who donated to the Toy Run in memory of Al Williams, Mark Boxrud and John Clark.  They will be dearly missed.

This was the 11th annual Toy Run, the weekend was excellent with more than 350 bikes participating in the ride through town.

The Black Powder Club was at Cathedral Grove with hot coffee and snacks for the riders.  We had so many bikes at the Grove that traffic was down to one lane.

Many spectators lined the roadside - waving and cheering as the procession of bikes went by.  On arriving at the Athletic Hall, the riders were piped in by the Army Cadets.

Refreshments and food were served along with a number of booths with wares for sale.

Trophies were awarded to the following people:  Oldest Rider - Roy Richmond, Port Alberni; Farthest Rider - Colin Taylor, Australia; Oldest Bike - Denis Contreras, Port Alberni; Best American - Rob Boccalon; Best Japanese - Brian Walker; Best European - Bob Vanderweele, Lantzville; Best Trike - Don Johnson, Courtenay.

Ray Parker was on hand to entertain the kids with magic and balloons.  We had the "Imagination Market" who kept the kids busy with hat making.

The evening saw the "Berry Cup Blooze" play to a packed house.  The dance floor was never empty.  Refreshments flowed and everyone had a good time.

Sunday morning, the local Shriners made pancakes and sausages for breakfast before the poker run got underway.  This was the best turnouts for the Poker Run ever with 55 entries.  The winning hand was a three of a kind.

They came in record numbers to Cathedral Grove for the 13th Annual Toy Run. Over 600 bikes showed up for this lucky numbered event. Even the weather was with us that day - the sun shone brightly overhead. We were directing one lane of traffic through the Grove. The run got underway by noon and we still had riders joining us. The ride was uneventful through town thanks to the volunteers of Ace Flagging. In the hall the kids entertainment got under way with “Kids World”. They had a fish pond, imagination table, magicians and volunteers walking the floor in costumes (which got really hot with the nice weather). There was popcorn and cotton candy that some of our future toy run members gave out for a donation. We also had the traditional chili and hot dogs plus a pot of beef barley soup on hand for the hungry riders and locals who attended. Larry Knutson, who had registration number 13 won a kids Harley Davidson jacket. In the raffle, third place (ceramic pig on a bike) went to June Blake of Port Alberni; second place (hand painting of a Harley by Sue Cocks) went to Mary Anne Fred of Port Alberni; first place (Harley Rocker made by ADSS Woodworking class) went to S. Jarvis also of Port Alberni. The mayor and Santa (A.K.A. Gerard Janssen) made opening speeches. On Sunday, the Shriners cooked breakfast for a record number. Meanwhile the Poker run got under way. Making their way though the five check stops - prizes were given out for high spade and low heart. Highest hand went to Lisa Stowell with four Kings for a grand prize of $410.

1999 was another successful Toy Run, and being our 15th anniversary, it was special to us. There was a record number of bikes - so much so, that we lost count somewhere over the 500 mark. We had our usual parade, headed by Gerald Janssen, watched over by Ace Flagging, and enjoyed by many onlookers. The sight around Harbour Quay was awesome as the bikes went around the fountain and headed up Argyle Street. With our many activities beginning with our information days at Quality Foods and Canadian Tire, we kept busy throughout the year. Our booth at the Kart Races was most popular and for the first time, following the Fall Fair Parade, we had a booth at the Fair itself. Our free raffles were popular and we had many visitors stop to chat. Our president, Scot Loudon, spent an afternoon in ‘jail’ raising money for the Kuu-Us-Crisis Line and in return, they held a thank-you luncheon for the city that we attended. The weather was great for the Bike Games, participation was good and while these were happening, the children were being fed and entertained inside. We had a record year for daytime attendance and CJAV was on the spot, adding to the festivities. Our dance featured Howie and the Hot Rods and Rocket “88”. Both bands offered great dancing, the Navy League tended the bar, and Fir Park Village offered their bus and a driver for our Designated Driver Program. Our raffle was a winner for Lynn McKay who took home first prize of the Harley rocker, donated and built at the High School Woodworking program. This year the builder was Tyler Schwartz. Second prize was a cedar chest built and donated by Nobby’s Wooden Toys. Tami Matheson took that home and Geraldine Carter took home one ceramic plate while Ron Williams won the other. Pete Pelletier, along with wife Colleen, spent the day watching a pig cook to perfection on his giant grill. This was ready about 9:30 p.m. as the dance was under way. The response to this ‘pig in a bun’ was overwhelming and by midnight every scrap was gone. The morning after Shriner’s Breakfast was very well attended, after which 125 riders took part in the Poker Run, finishing up at the Arlington Hotel for an afternoon of prizes and entertainment provided by Island Express. Closer to Christmas, we also hosted a free movie matinee for the kids as well as a free afternoon of roller blading. We hope to make these events an annual affair. Our fundraising efforts paid off as local merchants, citizens and our out-of-town guests were very generous. After all was said and done, we had close to $20,000 for distribution and two large truck loads of toys. Once again we added to our hospital fund, bringing that total up to $15,000 which we will use to supply and decorate the children’s waiting lounge of the new hospital. The Bread of Life, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Sisters, Dry Grad, P.A. Bandits, Community Kitchens and Outreach Therapy are some of the beneficiaries of our donations. The past three years we have contributed close to $50,000 in monies, as well as food for Christmas hampers and toys for the children of the valley. We have to thank our loyal riders who show up year after year, bringing their welcome presence, distributing their wealth into our local hotels and restaurants and being part of this great event.

2001 was a great year for the 17th annual Port Alberni Toy Run. Our run has become one of the best-attended and fun events of the summer. We saw approximately 600 plus bikes and the sun couldn’t have shone brighter. Many riders were able to enjoy the breakfast the Fanny Bay Inn put on (and donated the proceeds to us) before they head down island. This also, is an annual event. The ride in from Little Qualicum Falls was uneventful but exciting as the people of Port Alberni rallied round and came out to cheer on this wonderful parade of bikes. Santa led the parade behind the DARE car escort into town, where the police escort took over. Arriving at Glenwood is always exciting – right away the children’s events began, the beer gardens and the Show N’ Shine began as we gave everyone time to look around, fill up on the chilli and dogs, shop for T-shirts, etc. while we got ready for the adult bike games. The afternoon passed quickly with the winners of the Show N’ Shine being announced. The list of winners was as follows: Best American Bike was Tony Bryant from Quadra Island; Farthest Rider – Marj Rex from Bellingham, Washington; Best Oldest Bike was a ’36 HD owned by Dave Young of Burnaby; Santa’s Choice was a bike registered by Mike Burrows; Best Rat Bike was Herbie Cunningham known as “Herbie Two Hawgs”. If you are just reading this and haven’t claimed your trophy, please do so before you leave this year. The dance was well attended. The music by Howie and the Hot Rods and The Fly Bye Feelers was great – attested by the fact that the dance floor was always packed. We had a good turn out for the Shriner’s Pancake Breakfast and the Poker Run wound up at the Arlington Hotel. There the Island Express and numerous attendees entertained us while the raffles were being held. The best Poker Hand won $650 and the Arlington raffled off a man’s leather vest and again donated the proceeds to the Toy Run. Helped out by Dan and Val’s (Arlington owners) generous donation of our beer served for our beer garden and dance we had a great year.

All thanks to our riders and fellow townsmen who so generously donate. We never forget that this wonderful weekend of events, that literally begin to form for next year’s event as soon as this one ends, is put on by a dedicated group of people, supported by a wonderful array of businesses and more people and is done “For the Kids”. Thanks to you one and all.