Members of the Chemainus Classic Car Club will be cruising between Chemainus and Ladysmith on Saturday, participating in their second annual Toy Run.
The event gathers small toys and other items that will be donated to Vancouver Island Children’s Hospitals and Treatment Centres.
Jodie Greis of the Car Club says idea is to help make hospital stays a little more pleasant for youngsters dealing with illness.
“Coloring books, crayons, markers, play dough, etc. are perfect to pass the time, while confined to their bed,” Greis says. “Large toys are given when kids go home to heal with a little joy and care.”
Scott Feron, founder of Helmet Heads CA, says they follow strict hospital protocol, sanitizing the new toys, and delivering them in special bins to help protect vulnerable, sick children.
The car club will be meeting members of the Helmet Heads motorcycle club at the A & W in Ladysmith at noon on Saturday, Oct. 4. From there, the bikers and cars will cruise into Chemainus and meet at Waterwheel Park, arriving around 1 p.m.
Waterwheel Park will be closed between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
“There will be a drop off area for the Chemainus community to donate new toys and cash,” Greis says. “It would be great to have people come to Waterwheel and hang out with us. They can check out the cars and motorcycles.”
Greis says if folks are unable to attend the Saturday event, they can still help.
“If you can’t make it to the second annual Chemainus Classic Car Club and Helmet Head CA Toy Run on Saturday, you may drop a new toy off at 9872 Maple Street. It’s a red house and you can leave your donation on the porch Thursday or Friday.
“Cash is needed and appreciated for sanitization supplies and bins, to comply with strict Hospital protocol.”