THUNDER BAY – On Saturday the 41st annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride will roar from Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson to The Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre.
Gary Ferguson, executive director of The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre, said it’s important to strive and make Christmas a time that all children can enjoy.
“For many people, Christmas is a good time, but for a lot of people it’s not," Ferguson said. "A lot of people do not have financial resources at Christmas.
“There are other organizations that do it as well, the firefighters provide Toys for Tots, but we want to give our contribution too as well to help the kids that we actually work with.
On Saturday there will be a meeting from noon to 1 p.m. with the departure following shortly after.
“During this this run, motorcyclists throughout the community and some in the region will come to participate in the ride," Ferguson said. "They'll bring toys or donations for children that we will distribute during Christmas.”
Ferguson said it will take approximately 30 minutes to get to The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre, depending on the detours.
“There will be prizes too for the person that has the oldest motorcycle, there will be a prize for the individual who has gone the greatest distance, usually for the oldest rider and for the youngest rider,” he added.
Ferguson said that the ride has been growing over the past four decades.
“We are traditionally the last motorcycle run or event for the season with motorcycles," he added.
"People that are trying to get out for that last run and just enjoy their bikes traditionally take part in this event. It’s looking like the weather is going to be pretty nice too.”
The ride is supported by many Thunder Bay riding associations including Road Angels, Harley Owners Group, Superior Riders, Ontario Northwest Retreads, Bondslaves and Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association.
“I'd just like to thank the community for the support in the Salvation Army in all the ways that they do support us, allowing us to continue the work that we do in the community,” Ferguson said.
