Motorbike enthusiasts never allow rain to keep them from enjoying a ride, and despite Saturday’s downpour, members of the Bikers Rights Organization (BRO) took to the roads for a good cause.
“Today is our Toy Run, which we’ve been holding since 1992. Originally we brought toys to the hospital but they stopped doing that, so for the last 20 years we’ve been donating to the Women In Crisis centre,” said Ken Preston, Bikers Rights Organization (BRO) vice chair, speaking to SooToday.
“It’s mostly toys but for the past five or six years we’ve been trying to get not only toys but also supplies for the women here. Toiletries, feminine hygiene products, gift cards the workers here could give to the women for their individual needs, clothing in case they need to go for an interview...a lot of the women here come here with absolutely nothing, with a baby in their arms, so diapers and little blankets are very important.”
“This was a cause that was very close to the heart of one of our members and we’re very happy to celebrate this, our 27th year doing the Toy Run,” Preston said.
“It makes everybody feel good. It feels good to have that rewarding feeling when you’re giving, getting out here with fellow motorcyclists, rain or shine, to do something for a good cause. And, it’s one that’s kind of unique. This isn’t a big one like cancer (as important as that is), this is our local Women In Crisis centre, helping local women. It feels good. We like getting out and doing this,” Preston said.
Preston estimated 60 bikers took part in Saturday’s Toy Run, which included not only BRO members but also others from groups such as the Canadian Brotherhood of Patriots, the Black Pistons and Algoma Riders.
The group registered at the A & W Restaurant 659 Great Northern Rd. location’s parking lot beginning at 10 a.m., set off at 11 a.m. and rumbled into the Women In Crisis parking lot on Oakland Avenue at approximately 11:30 a.m.
“With the support of everyone from Bikers Rights, we’re able to provide for the women and the children here with the personal needs items they donate, and toys for the children. There are lots of bags and boxes here today,” said a pleased Julie Strachan, Women In Crisis child support worker.
“It’s something that’s comforting to them. We’re able to lighten their (the children’s) birthdays for them (for example), to give them something special at a time when they feel they may not have that. It helps us to provide for them, some extras in life.”
“It’s absolutely wonderful (to see women and children enjoy the donated items). It’s very heartwarming to see people support others the way they do. We’re all working together to eliminate, or attempt to eliminate, domestic violence against women and children, helping them to see the community supports them and they deserve a life free of violence,” Strachan said.
Donations of toys, clothing, hygiene items, shampoo and other products are always welcome at Women In Crisis, Strachan added.
"And umbrellas," she smiled under Saturday's rainfall.