Roaring cheer

Despite being September, Christmas cheer rolled through the city on Saturday.

More than 90 motorcycle enthusiasts rode in support of the Salvation Army at the 28th annual Toys for Tots ride. The ride took the bikers from the Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson on Arthur Street to the Cumberland Street Salvation Army. Each rider had a toy to give a boy or girl for Christmas.

 Ross Dykes has participated in the ride for 25 years. The 62-year-old said he kept coming back each year because he enjoyed bringing a smile to child’s face.

“It’s a great cause,” Dykes said. “The Salvation Army gives back so we felt we had to give something back to the community. Kids love toys so we just gather as many toys as we can get. We also give cash donations. It’s basically good stuff for the kids. Kids love everything.”

Ted Ciotucha, owner of the Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson, said having fun and giving back to the community always makes for a good event.

“How can you not enjoy going for a motorcycle ride, giving some stuff to kids, getting the public to notice that not all bikers are bad guys and do it for a living. It’s the best feeling,” Ciotucha said. “Hearing that it’s the 28th annual makes me feel old because I was at the first one and at everyone since. It feels awesome and nice to see younger kids come out to the event as well.”

Major Mervin Halvorsen, executive director for the Salvation Army, said the ride was the beginning of the Christmas season and they would deliver the toys to the children on Dec. 11.

Halvorsen added they expected to get more than a hundred toys.

“When the children come this year for the Christmas dinner they will go home with a Christmas toy just to make sure they have a happy Christmas,” Halvorsen said. “When you hear about all the children who go without a present it breaks our hearts. It breaks the bikers’ hearts. They really care about the children in town. Thanks to them we get a great Christmas for the children.”