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.
Another beautiful sunny day on Saturday the 13th. There were 1117 motorcycles registered for the ride.
They started to gather at Cathedral Grove when they could still see their breath. By the time the sun started to peak through the trees, it was time to start the journey over "The Hump" and around the Quay.
It was 1994 and the event was the 10th Anniversary of the Port Alberni Toy Run.
The riders came from far and wide, so far even Santa came to lead the pack. (Our own MLA Gerard Janssen).
On their way down the road, the side lines are filled with spectators hoping to hear the thunder and see motorcycles of every make, size, color and shape. Children and adults both opened mouthed and wide-eyed.
Thanks to the generosity of the business community, donations of toys and money made it possible for the need children of Port Alberni to have a Merry Christmas.
When they reached the Athletic Hall, the doors were opened and the people came on in. There was free food and drink and lots of things to do and see.
For the kids, there was the "Mad Hatter" (Ray Parker), who put on a fabulous magic show. There were crafts and games and no child went home empty handed.
For the Adults - test your skills on your motorcycle. Games for single riders and for a little more fun a game for a duo to see who could bite the most wiener.
Later that night there was a dance. "Berry Cup Blooze" was the band and their popularity kept the dance floor full all night.
Meanwhile, at Echo Village, the "Mad Hatter" adjusted his act to suit the tastes of the elderly at Fir Park Village.
And the fun didn't stop there. Sunday, they started their day with a Shriners' breakfast and a Poker Run to Taylor Flats which ended at the Arlington Hotel.
- Toys and certificates $7105.89
- Hilton Center $12,000.00
- Navy League of Canada $800.00
- Kinettes $1,000.00
- G.A.M.P. $300.00
- Parksville Toy Run $300.00
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters $250.00
- 1st. Beaver Creek Boy Scouts $450.00
- Alberni Athletic Association $600.00
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.
- 400 toys plus $3,144.76 certificates and toys.
- $7,001.00 to the Hilton Center
- $100.00 to Perinatal Seminar
- $4,034.74 to the Bread of Life
- $200.00 to the Boy Scouts to replace stolen camping equipment
- $250.00 to the Big Brothers & Sisters
- $54.53 for helium balloons
- $1,800.00 to the Merry Andrew Marionettes
- $50.00 to the Parksville Toy Run
- $100.00 for appreciation day for our meat draw participants.
Once again the Toy Run drew participants from near and far, but numbers were slightly down this time due to similar events scheduled for the same weekend. More than 200 motorcycles took part and they couldn't have asked for better weather.
The ride began where riders met - in MacMillan Bloedel's Scenic Cathedral Grove. The old growth forest region flanks either side of Hi-way #4 in central Vancouver Island and provides a breathtaking start to the 15 minute ride into Port Alberni. While organizing for the mass start, participants were treated to hot chocolate, coffee and freshly baked goodies by the members of the Black Powder Club.
Alberni District MLA Gerard Janssen, dressed as Santa, led the pack out of the grove and over the long hill call "The Hump" by locals of the Alberni Valley. Upon arriving in town, riders were greeted by people all along their route who waved, clapped and cheered them on. The R.C.M.P. did an excellent job of escorting and controlling traffic.
The bikes paraded through town to the Harbour Quay where a very large crowd had gathered to watch the procession wind around the stone fountain and snake back up the road and over to the event's new destination - the Athletic Hall.
Hot dogs, chili, buns, coffee and hot chocolate were served at the hall to all who attended. Presentations were made by the community's often called Master of Ceremonies "Mike Carter" (he is not the same Mr. Carter from near by Parksville's Old Dog's Hawgs).
The beer gardens opened for those who were still thirsty or had just had enough coffee. Inside the hall, the "Merry Andrew Marionettes" entertained the kids and the young at heart all day long with their elaborate puppet shows.
The terrain turned out to be a little too rough for the bike games but that will be remedied for next year. There were plenty of door prizes handed out, all donated by local merchants who have enabled the annual Toy Run to continue through their spontaneous and generous contributions. After a short break, preparations for the evening's entertainment began. Vancouver based band "Incognito" played excellent tunes to a full house that really knew how to party. The tradition for trouble-free Toy Run celebration in Port Alberni held true again this year. The committee and local law enforcers and the citizens of the Alberni Valley were shown once again what a great bunch of people we truly are.
The following morning, a hearty breakfast consisting of hot cakes, eggs and sausages cooked up by the Shriners. As only two bikes showed up for the poker run, both rode away with all the prizes.
- 300 toys plus $1600.00 in gift certificates and toys distributed by the Home Support Association
- $3,556.00 to the Home Support Association to purchase a special lift that enables workers to better care for bed-ridden and disabled patients and to acquire camping gear to take troubled children on outings
- $220.00 to Big Brothers & Sisters
- $100.00 to the Boy Scouts
- $1,500 to the Bread Of Life
- $500.00 to the Salvation Army Christmas Relief Program
- $500.00 to the Marry Andrew Marionettes
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.
- 450 toys to the Salvation Army
- $5,000.00 to the Outreach Therapy Program
- $500.00 to the Katy Crosby Fund (Save-A-Life Foundation)
- $240.00 to the Rollin Art Center
- $200.00 to the Big Brothers & Sisters
- $50.00 to the Parksville Toy Run.
Like every other year the rain fell like clockwork, with the exception that it followed us into town instead of falling directly upon us. There was some hundred plus bikes and riders who participated in the run with very few getting involved with the bike games due to the weather.
"Rude Mood" supplied good rock'n'roll tunes for over 200 riders and local townspeople.
- 350 toys to the Salvation Army
- $4,000.00 to the W.C.G.H. children's ward which we bought a T.V., V.C.R. plus movies, books and a whole lot of toys
- $300.00 to the Special Olympics
- $75.00 to Big Brothers & Big Sisters
- $75.00 to the Parksville Toy Run
- $50.00 to the Variety Club Telethon