Motorcycles ready to Ride.

Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride

(September 12, 2010) Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Newfoundland District and The Salvation Army, in association with several other riding groups, held the annual Toys for Tots Ride.

Braving inclement weather, some of Newfoundland’s heartiest Motorcyclists arrived at St. John’s, Avalon Mall Parking Lot with toy donations and toys attached to their bikes. The engines started to roar at 2:00  p.m.  and they were off through downtown St. John’s and continuing on through Conception Bay South.

For over twenty years Newfoundland bikers have been collecting toys and donating them to The Salvation Army to be used during Christmas for families who are in need of gifts for their children.  Last year well over 300 motorcycles took part in the ride and nearly 672 toys were collected along with cash donations.

All bikers and non-riders alike, were encouraged to participate by dropping off a toy or monetary donation at the start of the ride at the Avalon Mall parking lot or at the Half Way Mark at the North Atlantic Gas Bar at Manuals Villa Nova Plaza.

Major Wade Budgell (left) and Major Donette Percy (right) with ride organizers.

Riding in the rain!

Major Wade Budgell, Public Relations Director for The Salvation Army stated, “This is a long-standing partnership that brings bikers and the community together for a good cause. This gives us a tremendous boost in securing new toys for children at Christmas.”