Santa and Mrs. Claus were handing out candy canes at the 35th annual Toy Run for the Medicine Hat Santa Clause fund. Despite the rain, 250 riders travelled from the Irvine Hotel to the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grandstand in the effort to raise money for kids to receive Christmas gifts. - NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
Not even rain could stop this years Santa Claus Fund toy run.
The motorcycle run, in its 35th year, started with a pancake breakfast at the Irvine Hotel, before making its way to the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grandstand. There, the riders and anyone attending were greeted with live music, a barbecue and more festivities.
For Heather McCaig, the promotional director for the run, the turnout and the support they received brought on a lot of emotions.
“Considering the weather today, we are so happy with the turnout,” McCaig said. “We are so happy with the public that came out and lined the streets and the highway to cheer us on. It just, I’ve been crying all day.”
She started to tear up when reflecting on the ride through all of the people lining the street supporting the cause.
“It was amazing. My heart swelled lots, it really was.”
There were roughly 250 bikes that made the trip today from riding clubs all over the Medicine Hat area. In a normal year, McCaig says they usually get around 800 but are still very happy with the turnout and support.
Last year the Santa Claus Fund was able to provide Christmas to 1,441 kids, a number she says they expect to increase this year.
With it being the 35th year and in spite of the rain, she says this years toy run will stand out for years to come.
“The fact that we had to overcome to make it happen is so huge. We’re here to stay and we’re just going to keep plugging,” she said.
McCaig added she’d like to thank anyone that showed up and supported the run and what it stands for.
“When we were out at Irvine, the rain was just pouring down and the bikes kept coming. The headlights kept showing up and it’s such a warm feeling to know that people will go out and get soaked to make sure kids have Christmas. We just can’t thank people enough for coming out and helping us.”
For Darwin Bernhart, a Medicine Hat rider, it was a great day on his bike and a great day for charity in the city.
“Anytime you can get a bunch of bikes together to do something like that, we’re more than happy to help out.”
