Organizers are calling it another good year for the Bordertown HOG Toy Run with some $69,000 being distributed to local causes.
Overall eight groups received cash injections from the $69,066.32 raised from the group’s bike ride and toy drive.
Recipients are Kidsport – $16,105.00, Big Brothers Big Sisters – $12,800.00, Lloydminster Youth Centre – $12,850.00, Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services – $6,000.00
Co-chair Murray Getty is grateful for the community support of the fundraiser which is in its 11th year.
“It was another great year. We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support; and people that come out on the day and actually ride in the Toy Run and support the Bordertown Toy Run. We certainly could not do it without the support of the community.”
Other recipients are The Goat’s Christmas Wish – $5,811.32, the breakfast programs at both public and catholic school divisions each got $6,500.00, and the Olive Tree – $2,500.00.
Fellow co-chair Chris Leibel talks about the sentiment the group feels when they are riding their bikes in the open for the cause.
“It’s a very humbling experience, especially when you have all the support of the community. You have a group of bikes – from 100 to 200 bikes going down the highway. It’s very exciting and exhilarating. It just makes you feel like all the work you put in was well worth it.”
Leibel says that the group’s fundraising puts an emphasis on youth.
“For our charities, we are youth-mandated – that’s our focus. I think taking care of the youth (is important), as they are going to grow up to be the future leaders in the community. I think that’s where we need to focus and that’s a great feeling.”
Getty summed up the math over the 11 year run of the fundraiser in the region of some $630,000. He says,”It’s unbelievable.”
Sep. 9, 2023 has already been circled in the Bordertown HOG calendar for the next Toy Run.