The Bordertown H.O.G Chapter is keeping the wheels rolling on this year’s charity run in support of the community.
The annual motorcycle convoy in support of KidsSport Lloydminster, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Lloydminster Youth Centre and The Goat’s Christmas Wish will be going ahead this year. but will be a departure from normal so that riders can follow COVID-19 guidelines and reduce the risk of virus transmission. However, on September 12th, bikers will still ride and provide a donation to the causes through their registration fee.
Toy Run Co-Chair Murray Getty says this year was supposed to be the tenth anniversary of the ride, but because of having to scale back they’re calling it “Year 9 and a Half” and will be prepping their decade celebration next year.
“Last year, the ninth, was the biggest and we raised the most money for charity ever last year. We wanted to try and do better than that this year, but with the economy and COVID restrictions, we know we can’t do it. So we’re sticking to the ‘9 point 5’ this year.”
The run will look different when bikers arrive. The breakfast, supper and afterparty gathering parts of the event are cancelled. Riders will show up, register and pay their $20 entry fee, then ride their own route, making stops as they see fit. There will be physical distancing at registration, and the sign-up team will be wearing masks.
All donations brought in will then be given out equally to the charities receiving the money. Normally, they would seek out corporate sponsors as well but chose not to this year because they understand the impact COVID-19 and the declining price of oil has had on local businesses. Getty adds that there’s no set goal for donations this year, but every little bit helps.
“The monies that we raise and donate to those charities, it really goes straight into our community. That is kind of the goal, every dollar we raise does go to charity, and we do try to keep it in the Lloydminster community and the surrounding areas.”
Registration will be held at Denham Chrysler, beginning at 10 AM.