Charity event brings a roar to Little Qualicum Falls

Port Alberni Toy Run is known as Vancouver Island’s largest motorcycle event

SANTAS ON BIKES: More than 1,200 motorcycles were part of the 29th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run on Saturday, which started in the parking lot of Little Qualicum Falls. Above, Betty Lou and Robert Borrett from Port Alberni stand with their toy-covered bike.

SANTAS ON BIKES: More than 1,200 motorcycles were part of the 29th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run on Saturday, which started in the parking lot of Little Qualicum Falls. Above, Betty Lou and Robert Borrett from Port Alberni stand with their toy-covered bike.

More than 1,200 motorcycles cruised into Little Qualicum Falls parking lot Saturday to kick off the 29th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run.

Known as Vancouver Island’s largest motorcycle event, it brings in thousands of toys for children in need at Christmas ever year and thousands of dollars for children’s programs throughout the year.

The Alberni Black Powder Club fired a cannon at Little Qualicum Falls Saturday at noon, signalling for the riders to start their journey westbound along Highway 4, past Cameron Lake and through Cathedral Grove into Port Alberni. The destination was Glenwood Centre around 1 p.m., where there were toys and games for children, and food and entertainment for riders and their families for the entire evening.

Since 1984, the Toy Run has raised more than 1.5 million dollars for children’s charities.

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