Toys for Tots Campaign Media Release
THUNDER BAY, ON, September 15, 2016 – Motorcycle enthusiasts ride this Saturday in the 33rd Anniversary Toys for Tots Ride in support of The Salvation Army Christmas Toy Campaign.
Bikes sporting stuffed animals, trucks, dolls and other toys will make their way across town to deliver their gifts. They will gather at Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016.
The ride will leave at 1:00 p.m. with the bikers travelling through the city to The Salvation Army Community & Residential Services at 545 Cumberland St. N. arriving about 1:25 p.m. where they will present their gifts. Financial donations are also accepted. If you are not able to participate in the ride, donations can be dropped off at Thunder Bay Harley or The Salvation Army on Cumberland St.
"When a family has limited resources, providing gifts is a challenge. With help from the motorcycling community, many children in our city will know the true joy of Christmas through the gift of these toys – the joy from knowing someone cares.
We are thankful to everyone who supports the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride each year bringing children joy at Christmas." said Major Lori Mitchell, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Community & Residential Services.
The toys will be distributed to children in Thunder Bay during this Christmas season. Parents, Susan and Ron, struggle to care for their five children since Ron had a workplace accident which left him unable to work and Susan’s health has impacted her ability to hold a permanent position.
They were so thankful to be able to bring their family to The Salvation Army’s Community Christmas Dinner hosted by the Valhalla Inn.
It was the first time that they had been to a dinner at the Valhalla. Each of their children sat with Santa and gave him their Christmas wish list.
The family left with full tummies, gifts for Christmas and smiles like rays of sunshine.
Thunder Bay motorcycle clubs Harley Owners Group, Ontario Northwest Retreads, Superior Riders, Bikers for Christ, The C.A.V. Canadian Army Veterans, and Veterans UN/NATO Canada in partnership with The Salvation Army are hosting the event.
The Salvation Army thanks all the bikers who participate in the event, members of clubs as well as the many independent riders who come out each year. Their generous gifts make this event so successful year after year.
The media is invited to join the bikers at The Salvation Army at approximately 1:20 p.m. for their arrival and presentation of gifts. Your coverage of this event is appreciated.
