History
Who would have ever thought that a small town like Port Alberni could host such a large event as the Toy Run has turned into.
It all began back in 1985 when a few people got together one day and decided that if other motorcyclists in other towns can make kids happy, why don't we do the same? So, with the help of some of our local merchants and the support from the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and the Salvation Army, it all came together to become the amazing annual event it is now.
Many years have passed and we would like to thank past Toy Run members, all merchants who donated to the cause and most of all, to all the riders who came out rain or shine or snow to participate and made it the success it has become (for if not for them the Toy Run would not have come into existence in the valley).
In the pages to follow, you can scroll back through time from the present to the very first Toy Run of Port Alberni.
The 42nd Annual Port Alberni Toy Run was another great success. Although the reported number was over 1100 motorcycles participated in the run, the reality is more bikes joined in various locations as the bikes rode into the city. The sun brought out many families to the children's activities and the updated larger vendors area was a big hit. The dance featured 3 bands this year, including a new addition with a local youth band from the "Battle of the Bands" as the opening act. The Sunday poker run and final auction were well attended, with these events becoming larger every year.
While the weather may have been a bit showery, it was still a good weekend.
2014 was one of the biggest years in the history of the Port Alberni Toy Run. There were 1400 riders participating to make for a very successful weekend.
The 3rd weekend of September 2006, Santa Claus (aka Gerard Janssen) led a growing pack of bikes from Little Qualicum Falls through Port Alberni and ending at Glenwood Center. Approximately 805 bikes rode through town carrying toys (approx. $20,000.00 worth) for the children of Port Alberni to have at Christmas time. Early risers took part in a pancake breakfast at the Crown and Anchor before heading to Little Qualicum Falls. The bikers met at the park for registration, refreshments and an array of goodies. Leading Santa on the run was the Golden Oldies Car Club, who later was led by the RCMP through town. Once the riders reached Glenwood Center there was children’s activities for all, bike games for the daring and a beer gardens for the thirsty adults. Gallons of chili and hot dogs awaited their arrival. The children’s activities (all free for the kids) included guessing the bean count, bounce arounds, clowns, face painting, fish pond, bean bag toss, cotton candy, popcorn, and refreshments. The adult bike games included such games as the plank ride, potato in the haystack, wienie bite, obstacle race, and the barrel race to name a few. In the evening there was a dance of non stop music by Chevy Ray and the Fins, and the Maloomba Boogie Bands. Also included in the dance was a pig roast for those who were hungry. Sunday morning started off with a pancake breakfast, followed by a poker run. A nice refreshing ride through town and out to Taylor Flats and ending back at the Arlington Pub. The poker hand winners were announced plus many draws of other prizes accompanied with live music by Island Express.
This 2 day event raised approximately $49,000.00. All monies raised stay within the regional district, and are donated back to various children’s groups, activities, and health therapy. A Very Big THANK YOU to all who support the Port Alberni Toy Run, including the Bikers, the Businesses of Port Alberni, the Spectators, the many Volunteers all who help make this special event happen.
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Every 3rd weekend of September, Santa Claus (aka Gerard Jansen) leads a growing pack of bikes from Qualicum Falls through Port Alberni ending at Glenwood Center. In 2005 approximately 750 bikes rode through town carrying toys (Approximately $18,000 worth) for the children of Port Alberni to have Christmas time. Early risers partaked of a $2 breakfast at the Fanny Bay Inn before heading to Qualicum Falls. The bikers met at Qualicum Falls for registration, refreshments and an array of goodies. Leading Santa into town was the DARE car which was then taken over by the RCMP. Once they reached Glenwood Center there was children activities for all, bike games for the daring and a beer garden for the thirsty adults. Gallons of chili and hot dogs awaited their arrival. Children activities (which is all free for the children) vary from guessing the bean count, bounce around, face painting, fish pond, bean bag toss to cotton candy, popcorn and refreshments. Adult bike games included such games as the plank ride, potato in the haystack, wiennie bite, obstacle race and the barrel race to name a few. In the evening there was a dance of non stop music by Chevy Ray and the Fins, and The Maloomba Boogie band. And a pig roast for those who were hungry. Sunday morning started off with a pancake breakfast at 8 am and a poker run at 9 am. A nice refreshing ride through town and out to Taylor flats and back ending at the Arlington Pub. The poker hand winners were announced plus many draws of other prizes accompanied by live music. A very Big THANK YOU to all who participate and the businesses of Port Alberni who help makes this special event happen.
Approximately $51,600 raised. All monies raised stayed within the regional district.
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.
- Hospital Foundation $16,000, to build a children’s play house (this was saved over three years)
- Rebuilt a Little Tyke’s park in partnership with Parks and Recreation ($18,000 was our share)
- $7000 worth of toys to the Sally Ann for their Christmas drive, plus $15,000 to the Salvation Army and numerous other groups in town