Prince George, B.C. – Motorcycle enthusiasts in the central interior are quite aware that the last ride of the season isn’t too far off, and the next three weekends provide great opportunities to log some mileage and view some spectacular scenery while supporting a good cause.

This Sunday and the next two, on the 20^th and 27^th, see four Toy Runs on the books in the region.  These events are all about riders of all makes and models of motorcycles gathering toys for underprivileged  kids to give them some enjoyment at Christmas.  Donations are gratefully  welcomed and all are forwarded to the particular charity or organization involved in each community.

One of the people involved with the Prince George Toy Run, Jenni Parent at the Harley Davidson shop in town, says “stuffed animals are great and certainly show up in huge numbers in teddy bear tosses at the hockey rinks, but items such as skateboards and bike helmets are welcomed as well to mix it up a bit and cover ages all the way up to teenagers.  It’s not always just the little kids that are requiring some assistance.”
There are two toy runs this weekend: the 32^nd Annual Jimmy Dunlop Memorial Toy
Run goes Sunday in Quesnel.  Participants will leave Sylvia’s Café at the 42 kilometre mark on the Nazko Highway at 1pm and ride to Lebourdais Park in Quesnel.

Organizer Larry Clark says “it’s looking really good and I’m expecting a record turnout for the ride this year.  And the support has been excellent.  One lady brought in six large garbage bags full of toys.  And I’m talking about the large bags that fit inside industrial-sized drums.  With all of the mill closures and the like and people out of work, the generosity is really going to help this Christmas.”

Meantime the Mackenzie Toy Run marks its 25^th anniversary.  First off they have a FUNraising dinner and dance starting at 5:30 Saturday afternoon at the Mackenzie Legion.  Then on Sunday riders meet at noon at the Tourism Kiosk at Mackenzie Junction and head into Mackenzie at 1pm.

The Vanderhoof Toy Run is ready to roll on Sept. 20^th with the Prince George Toy Run to be held on the 27^th.  One of the Prince George riders, Jim Clefstad who, along with his wife Lori will be taking part in the Quesnel ride, says he rides motorcycle “because it makes me feel young.” “And,” he adds, “what could be a more worthwhile cause than collecting toys for kids at Christmas?”