Call it Christmas in September.
More than 3,500 motorcyclists hit the road Sunday for the 29th annual Motorcycle Toy Run in support of Santa’s Anonymous.
Riders cruised from Capilano Mall to Hawrelak Park, raising money and carrying toys for less fortunate children in the city that were then filled into a trailer.
Organizers say it’s the time of year where Edmonton’s motorcycle community gets together for a great cause – regardless of what they ride.
“This is the one time of the year where everyone gets together regardless of brand of motorcycle or what they ride, they all come together, strap a toy on the back of their bike, and head down on a nice little ride throughout the city ending up at Hawrelak Park,” said Jay Padilla with the Edmonton Motorcycle Toy Run committee.
“The generosity of the motorcycle community is one of the most incredible sights you will ever see. Edmonton is very lucky to have a motorcycle community like we have.”
The toy run acts as the official kick-off for Santa’s Anonymous – which aims to spread the “spirit of Christmas” by collecting and delivering toys for less fortunate kids in Edmonton.
“Imagine a 53-foot trailer full of toys for Santa’s Anonymous,” Padilla said. “It’s incredible.”
Padilla estimates between 3,500 to 4,500 riders participated in Sunday’s event - some wearing Santa hats over their helmets and others even donning entire Santa suits to mark the occasion.
Mark Johnson was one of the thousands of riders who took part in the toy run.
Sunday's event was his 12th time participating in Edmonton. Prior to that he had taken part in toy runs in B.C.
Johnson said he's seen the toy run grow each and every year.
"This parking lot if overflowing," Johnson said. "The weather seems to smile on us every year."
The Motorcycle Toy Run began in 1984.
Click here for more information on how to donate to Santa’s Anonymous.
