It may only be September, but it is time to start thinking about Christmas.
The Moose Jaw Cycle Association's annual Toy Run to benefit the Salvation Army will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11. Traditionally two to three hundred bikers from Moose Jaw and surrounding area descend on the Friendly City for the event.
"It is our first major kickoff for Christmas," said Major Don Law of the Salvation Army, "It gives us a real boost for the Christmas campaign, five to six hundred toys come in."
The run will begin at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street North and Manitoba Street. The bikers will travel up Main Street, then turn west on Thatcher Drive, finishing at the Salvation Army Church.
Afterwards, the club is organizing a steak night at the Park Hotel, the funds of which will go towards the purchase of toques, mittens, and scarves for the Christmas hampers. Tickets for the supper will be sold at the door.
Murray Roney of the Cycle Association said numbers for this year's run will depend on the weather and how busy farmers are. He encourages the public to come out and see the bikes and bring toys to donate as well.
"We're trying to help kids who need a little help around Christmas time. That's why we donate to the Salvation Army, because we know that they've got a good program and that the toys will go to kids that really need them. And if you want to come see some really nice motorcycles on top of it, that's a little bonus.
"If you can come out, come out. It's for a worthy cause. You're helping the kids at Christmas," said Roney.
Myles Fish can be reached at 691-1263
