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.
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
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.
- 400 toys to the Salvation Army
- $2,175.00 to the Port Alberni Women's Resources Transition House to be used at Christmas time.
Due to certain circumstances the Jaycees disbanded and we be came independent and now call ourselves the P. A. Toy Run.
Although the rain was with us, 140 riders gathered at Cathedral Grove for the annual run for needy children. Upon reaching the Kin Hut everyone was ready for the bike games and the kids were ready for their games. Concession tables were available with things to be bought and swapped. In the evening, the adults danced to music by "Maloomba Boogie Band". On Sunday morning, there was the traditional pancake breakfast and swap meet.
- 300 toys to the Salvation Army plus $1,525.88
- $25.00 to Big Brothers of Port Alberni.
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.
375 toys to the Salvation Army plus $1,225.87.
In the second year, the same bunch of good natured people along with a few enthusiastic newcomers started plans early in the year to get more activities happening. We decided to make the ride a little more scenic by starting the run from the rest stop in Cathedral Grove. The route from the Grove took us down Johnston Street to Gertrude Street/Stamp Avenue/3rd Avenue to Kingsway and around the water fountain at Harbour Quay then up Argyle Street to 10th Avenue where the run ended at the Fall Fair grounds and let the fun begin. This route would become the well-known route of Toy Runs to come.
What a warm welcome each rider received as they lined up for the start of the run. The West Coast Rangers (Black Powder Club) was on hand to serve coffee, hot chocolate and homemade cookies to all that attended.
With 65 riders and their toys, the R.C.M.P. escorted them through town to the Kin Hut. Even though the ground was wet from rain earlier on that day, the sun was shining over us as the kids and adult bike games took place. Everyone had a chance to "Bath the Biker" in the dunk tank, the Salvation Army van was there to pick up the some 400 toys to go to the needy children at Christmas time. After all the days events were finished, the adults danced the night away with music by the "Tourist".
400 toys to the Salvation Army.