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.
There were twenty five riders and half as many passengers who escorted more than forty individual toys from the Alberni Mall to the 1st Arrowsmith Scout Hall on Montrose Street. The riders were escorted through town by the local R.C.M.P. With open arms by the Salvation Army, the toys were welcomed by Lt. Denny Fahrentholz. We had a little bit of snow for the ride into town but all things went well. There was chilli and coffee for the riders after the run.
40 toys to the Salvation Army.