Toy run collects gifts for kids amid rain
Unseasonably cool temperatures diminished the turnout for the annual Toy Run in Kelowna on Sunday.
More than 150 motorcycle enthusiasts typically join the Kelowna-to-Vernon ride, raising money for the Salvation Army Christmas Blessing Campaign.
But only about 50 bikers braved the rainy and 12 C morning to join the ride on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of people this year because of the weather,” organizer Brendan Buttler said. “But we ride rain or shine.”
First held in 1985, the ride is usually a popular end-of-season outing for many motorcycle riders, with the added bonus of helping out a good cause.
Many participants also bring toys to be added to the Sally Ann’s Christmas hamper program.
More than 500 toys were given to the Sally Ann from last year’s ride participants, who also contributed almost $4,000 in cash. The Salvation Army typically helps more than 500 Kelowna families at Christmas, providing both all the fixings for a traditional holiday meal and toys for children.
For many years, Kelowna resident Tom Kliner dressed in a Santa suit and led the Toy Run. Kilner, who goes by the nickname Santa Tom and appears at many charitable events each Christmas season, was badly injured in a motorcycle crash on Sept. 1.
He has now been discharged from hospital and had hoped to be at Sunday’s Toy Run, but stayed home on doctors' advice. A fundraiser for Kliner will be held Sept. 22 at Xchange Kelowna, a restaurant at 200-1615 Dickson Ave., from noon to 5 p.m.