More than 100 riders turned up on a sunny Saturday afternoon to take part in the 38 annual Harley Riders Toy Run.
Taking place along the roads of Prince Rupert and Port Edward, the event raises money and toys for the Salvation Army in anticipation of the Christmas season. The ride is one of the biggest boosts of the year for the charity organization, last year donating $10,000 and more than 360 toys as a result of the day.
| 'Jack Skellington' came all the way from Halloween Town for the Toy Run. (Alex Kurial / The Northern View) |
“It’s for the kids,” Kathy Yamamoto, road captain for the event, said. “We want the kids to see all the bikes, they get excited,” she explained of her route choice, meant to maximize visibility of the convoy throughout town.
Bikers came from all along Highway 16, including Terrace, Kitimat, Houston and Smithers. Following the opening gathering at the Prince Rupert Salvation Army, the group did a tour of town before making the trip over to Port Edward for a barbecue hosted by the local volunteer fire department.
| Harley Riders president Chris Rose welcomes one of the more than 100 riders to the event. (Alex Kurial / The Northern View) |
“We wanted to do a charity where it was close to home,” Jason Giesbrecht, fire chief of the Port Edward Volunteer Fire Department, said about the importance of the event to the department and the community.
“Everything is staying within this area. The Harley Riders had been doing this for some time, so we thought why don’t we start barbecuing, and have one of the stops along the way,” Giesbrecht said.
| Anthony Katzel and Simba hit the road. (Alex Kurial / The Northern View) |
After a bowl of chili, homemade from volunteer firefighter Rob Spillett, and a hamburger and smoky, the riders were back on the highway to return to Prince Rupert. The day ended with a party at Seal Cove Pub, featuring live music and prizes to cap off the day.
Alex Kurial | Journalist
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