The 37th annual North Okanagan Motorcycle Toy Run is revving its engines for another year of generating support for the local Santas Anonymous Society.
The toy run will take place Sunday, Sept. 7, when hundreds of motorcycles will leave Vernon's Kal Lake lookout at noon sharp and proceed to the Lumby Oval Track, where people who wish to donate can meet the motorcyclists and organizers. People can also head to the lookout before noon to see the motorcycles lined up and ready to roll.
Last year's toy run was an emotional one as it followed the death of Rick Trehearne, who since the 1990s would don a Santa suit for the ride and was a longstanding member at Santas Anonymous Society North Okanagan.
Perry Wainwright has been helping run the toy run for the last dozen years. He said losing Trehearne was tough, but the society is steadfast in its mission to make Christmas merry for as many local kids as possible, as Trehearne would have wanted.
The society will be accepting new and gently used toys for kids aged zero to 12 years old. Cash donations are appreciated and can be done by e-transfer to santasanonymousvernon@gmail.com. New this year, the society will have a square reader to scan credit cards.
This year the society is in particular need for toys suitable for boys and girls ages five to 12. LEGO has proven to be the hottest toy lately. Gift cards are also welcome. The society already has enough games and stuffies, said Wainwright.
At the Lumby Oval there will be door prizes, two 50/50 draws, a beer garden put on by the Lumby Lions Club, and food served by the Lions. The Society for Injured Riders will provide coffee and doughnuts at the lookout.
"We've had parents come in and they don't have enough money to buy gifts, and they're overwhelmed," Wainwright said of the impact Santas Anonymous has every year. "That's what we get out of it, is helping somebody else."
It's a similar feeling to what Wainwright gets out of running the free at Polson Pond (to be moved elsewhere in future years), when kids get to hook their first fish.
The toy run has been on for 37 years straight. They didn't even take a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing to forge ahead with social distancing.
Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to 2-4320 29th St., Vernon, open Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information on the event, call Wainwright at 250-308-1411, or Adrianna at 778-212-9799.
