By Matt Pouncy

32nd annual Santa Claus Fund Toy Run successful once again

Sep 8, 2018 | 5:53 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Christmas is still over three months away, but bikers from Medicine Hat and area continue to make things a little easier for Santa.

Over 800 motorbikes paraded from Irvine to the stampede grounds for the 32nd Annual Santa Claus Toy Fund.

Heather McCaig, promotional director, doesn’t have the final numbers yet for this year but she’s thankful for everything donated each year.

“Well on average we usually get between $20,000 to $25,000 worth of toys and other donations. So we’re very thankful that the Medicine Hat community comes out, and the riders come out and donate that much for us,” said McCaig.

Ivan Karsten has been involved in the toy run for 23 years now, and he’s amazed at how much support they get every year.

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“First year I did it, I think we were at 80 people, and we opened it up to the public with all bikers, no brand affiliation,” said Karsten. “It just started growing and growing, and we’ve been around that 800 (people) for quite a few years now.”

All of the toys collected will go towards families who need some extra help around Christmas time.

McCaig says the event and everything collected makes sure everyone is happy during during the holidays.

“It means that our children in Medicine Hat and area don’t go without a Christmas. There’s nothing better than that,” said McCaig. “There’s nothing that you want more than to make sure that they can celebrate that holiday the same way as other people.”

Families can sign up to receive toys, and Karsten says this year they’re changing up the way parents pick up the toys.

“This time, I think they’re allowed to go in and do some shopping themselves. Pick proper toys for their kids,” said Karsten. “There’s nobody but a parent that knows really what their kids want. So, it’s much better than just, you know in the past we used to make bags and just say here’s a bag of toys.”

The success of this toy run has sparked a group from Maple Creek to host their own run next weekend on September 15th.