2nd Annual Vegreville Toy Drive Gives Kids the Gift of Play

2nd Annual Vegreville Toy Drive Gives Kids the Gift of Play

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

People with a passion for riding motorcycles and driving classic vehicles came together to participate in the 2nd annual Vegreville Toy Drive on August 15.

Seventeen members of the Vegreville Motorcycle Riders Club, along with other motorcycle riders from Lloydminster, British Columbia, Edmonton and surrounding area as well as members of the Vegreville Irons Runner Club (VIRC) gathered in the parking lot of Galleria Mall where people greeted them and dropped off cash donations and toys.

This was followed by the motorcycle riders and people from VIRC driving through the streets of Vegreville to accept donations.

Their final stop was the Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park where everyone was treated to a wrap-up picnic and to celebrate the fact they helped to raise a total of $2,870 for the Vegreville Christmas Bureau.

Even Santa Claus and an elf in street clothes joined in the fun.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Patti Gallien, Coordinator for the Vegreville Toy Drive, said the response from the people in the community was excellent.

“The people in the community were very good at participating and giving towards this toy drive. The Brick donated a $1,000 cheque to the toy drive. Everyone was into this event. All the toys and cash donations will be forwarded to Vegreville Christmas Bureau. I believe everyone who participated enjoyed themselves.”

Vegreville resident Darcy Humeniuk said he took part because it was fun to be part of a great group of people. “This event was very well known and was based on community effort and support.”

John Wren from British Columbia said he has been riding a motorcycle for 52 years. “I wanted to take part in this toy drive because my wife and I are visiting our daughter and son-in-law who live in Fort Saskatchewan. My son-in-law, Josh Sokoluk, has a lot of family who lives in Vegreville and he told me they had a toy drive in Vegreville.”

Josh added he participated because he thought it would be fun and he wanted to help out a good cause.