By Ethan Ready

Toy Run

Harleys and Teddy Bears: Salvation Army Toy Run throttles on another year

Sep 28, 2020 | 11:11 AM

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PRINCE GEORGE – “I’d like to make sure people out there see us for what we are: just a bunch of motorcyclists getting together and doing a good thing for the Salvation Army.”

Director of the HOG (Harley Owners Group) Chapter of Prince George, Neil Mundreon feels many people believe in a negative misconception when it comes to bikers.

However, on Sunday (September 27, 2020), Mundreon participated in his 40th Toy Run, a toy drive in support of the Prince George Salvation Army.

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Adhering to public health recommendations of social distancing, as well as being outdoors, over 100 bikers gathered throughout the parking lot of the CN Centre before embarking on their ride around town.

“We try to make sure safety, public awareness, and social distancing is extremely important. We want to put on a positive aspect,” explained Mundreon. “We’re making this as safe as possible. We’ve had to make some improvisations, but it’s working out well.”

This year’s event was a little bit different than those from years past. Rather than Salvation Army donation trucks being set up in the parking lot, bikers dropped their toy donations directly off to the facility.

“It started years ago in the States, as a matter of fact, by the Hell’s Angels. They wanted to collect toys for needy kids,” explained Mundreon, adding the event has progressed north of the border to the point that communities like Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, and Prince George hold events annually.

Mundreon says the event is put on here in Prince George as a way to help less-fortunate children grow up in the appropriate surroundings, whether it be by providing them with toys or sports equipment.

While this year’s event is estimated to have drawn out 100-150 bikers, the event has had upwards to 500 bikers in previous events.

“If we get 100 bikes, if we get 50, the bottom line is we’ve succeeded another year.”

And there was no shortage of makes and models either.

“I’ve been riding for 50 years. If you’re on two wheels, it doesn’t matter what you ride,” said Mundreon. “Some people have preconceptions that if you ride a Harley then you’re ‘big and bad’. No, it’s everyday people. Take a look around; you’ve got different brands and different people from all walks of life. To me, that’s one of the biggest things that we’ve accomplished is the unity.”