Toy Run succeeds due to community
To the Editor,
The number of bikes participating in the Port Alberni Toy Run was down in 2015, but the 31st annual Port Alberni Toy Run was certainly not disappointing.
Early morning rain and a car accident on the Malahat outside of Victoria meant only 600 bikes made it to the event, but we were still able to distribute $15,475 to children’s charities.
Toys were distributed through the Salvation Army, some First Nations, and the Port Alberni Friendship Centre. Some were also delivered to the Ty Watson House, local churches, transition houses, and emergency responders.
Funds raised went to Parks and Rec, KidSport, Kiwanis Hilton Centre, Alberni Valley wrestling program, VAST, Bread of Life, Girl Guides, ADSS Girls Rugby and Breakfast Club.
We were busy throughout the year participating in the Canada Day Parade and the Fall Fair Parade, as well as the Parks and Recreation events we sponsor, including Easter Bunny Express, Our Town, Starlight Movie Night, Halloween swim, Winter Wonderland, and First Night.
We brought in extra money by helping to park cars at the Thunder in the Valley Drag Races and the Sproat Lake Regatta, and our canvassing efforts continue to grow as more businesses around town see our event and the good we do in the community, and they’re happy to show their support.
Many motorcycle events around the island have failed. The Nanaimo Toy Run recently closed officially, and the Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup has cancelled their 2016 event. But our dedicated group continues to be strong, due to support from our volunteers, the community, and the municipal government.
We welcome new members to the group, and you don’t have to ride a motorcycle to join. The true benefit of joining is seeing how our efforts make life better for children and families in the Alberni Valley.
David Wiwchar,
chair,
Port Alberni Toy Run
JABC program a success for ADSS students again
To the Editor,
On Feb. 11 JABC Junior Achievement had the honour of hosting nine ADSS classes of Grade 9 students at North Island College. The students were introduced to the JABC – Economics for Success curriculum, run by volunteers.
On behalf of JABC, I want to express my sincere thank you to the JABC volunteers who bravely stepped up and shared their life and work experience making the curriculum real and relevant for the students.
Port Alberni is rich with individuals willing to mentor, coach, and be a friend to our youth.
Gail Stroud,
program coordinator,
Junior Achievement
