Toy Rally
Bikers, police go HOG wild over toy rally
Annual motorcycle event collects Christmas gifts early
Posted By Kate McLaren, The Daily Press
Posted 2 days ago
The Timmins Police Service, along with the local chapter of the Harley Owners Group, is gearing up for the annual Motorcycle Toy Rally for Kids. The rally is set to take place Saturday June 26, with the goal of collecting Christmas gifts for local underpriviledged kids. TPS Deputy Chief Des Walsh, left, and HOG associate director Dave Larsen provide Santa with some riding tips. (JASON MOORE For the Daily Press)
The Timmins Police Service, along with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Northeast chapter are revving their engines for the annual Motorcycle Toy Rally for Kids.
"The bottom line with this rally is to help local kids," said Timmins Police Service (TPS) Deputy Chief Des Walsh. "We're extremely proud and happy to be associated with the HOG organization.
"This rally has really taken on a life of its own," he added.
Now in it's fifth year, the goal of the Motorcycle Toy Rally is to collect as many unwrapped, toys as possible for local underpriviledged kids ages 2-12.
"There's a lot of needy people in our area," said Dave Larsen, assistant director of HOG, a group of Harley owners sponsored by The Shop in Sudbury that holds a few bike rallies a year for various local organizations.
"With the recent job losses in the area, there are a lot of kids who will benefit who wouldn't otherwise get gifts.
"We want to show people that we're not a hardcore biker gang," said Larsen. "We're just a group of mostly retired people who love to ride."
Last year, despite rainy weather, the rally collected toys for 140 local children. This year the group hopes to surpass that number.
"We've already had an anonymous donation of 60 remote control cars," said Deputy Chief Walsh. "Those will be used for this year's party at Christmas, when the toys are handed out."
Riders in the toy rally can participate with any make or model of motorcycle, providing they bring a toy and non-perishable food item.
Non-bikers can also donate to needy children by dropping unwrapped toys off at the Timmins police station.
The parade begins at the Timmins Inn and Suites, and takes about an hour, looping down Lafleur Dr., Jubilee St, up Algonquin, with a stop in South Porcupine and the police station before returning to the hotel.
"At the police station, riders will be treated to a presentation by the Timmins Police Service Pipes and Drums," said Walsh.
On hand from the North Pole was Santa, encouraging residents to donate.
"I hope everyone comes out to the bike rally for the kids," he said. "And I hope everyone rides safe.
"I'll put in a request with the weatherman for good weather," added Santa.
The day of the rally will also provide a chance for local residents to interact with community police officers and members of the K-9 unit. Other members of local emergency services are set to volunteer at the toy rally, including members of the Ontario Provincial Police auxiliary, the Mountjoy Fire Department as well as EMS technicians.
The fifth annual Motorcycle Toy Rally For Kids is set for Saturday. June 26, at 1:00 p.m. at the Timmins Inn and Suites. Participants can register at 11 a.m. the day of the ride.