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32nd annual South Okanagan Toy Run goes ahead despite downpour

It doesn't take the proverbial rocket scientist to figure out that the weather thus far in September has been straight up lousy. It thankfully looks a bit better going forward, but there's been a lot of cold, a lot of cloud, and a lot of rain in the first 18 days.

Probably the worst day of all was last Sunday. The morning was simply drizzly, but by noon it was all headed downhill.

And that's a shame. Sunday was the day of the Okanagan Motorcycle Riders Association's 32nd annual South Okanagan Toy Run - an event that normally raises a lot of money and a lot of toy donations for the St Vincent De Paul Society's Christmas hamper program.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

But bikes and rain don't mix.

Ultimately, said OMRA president Tom Cook, participation was down by more than half. And those who soldiered on, braving the wet streets and highways and then hanging out at Rotary Park for the raffle portion of the day's schedule, where even more donations are raised, came away soaked to the bone.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> These riders took refuge under a tent

Indeed, it was so bad that photographers were forced to put away their cameras for fear the rain would seep inside and destroy the innards.

But there were bright lights. And one of those lights had a beard and a red and white outfit.

Red Young, a ranch hand from Oliver, has played the role of Santa Claus in 21 of the run's 32 years. And he did it again in 2019, in full Santa Claus regalia, aboard his 1991 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> Red Young was Santa for the 21st time

"Yeah, it's raining," he said Sunday afternoon. "But this is for charity and the kids, so you do it in the rain, the cold, the wet, whatever."

Young had initially arranged for another rider to do the Santa bit this year, but he said the other rider was involved in a bike crash not long ago and couldn't fulfill his role. So Young, who's starting to get up there in years, once again did the deed.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"I said, 'Yeah, I can do it for you this year, but if you do the same thing next year to try to get out of it, you're getting tied to a gurney and towed around,'" he laughed.

Young is not a serial Santa. He doesn't do it in shopping malls or at special events. "But people driving by wave to me and the kids all get a thrill out of it so it's great," he said.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> The OMRA raffled off this donated bike and donated every penny

"Unfortunately, weather has really impacted this year. The crowd is way down, the turnout is way down, the donations of toys are way down, and the donations of money are way down. There may be some disappointed kids at Christmas this year."

And that's when he gave us his sales pitch. And it was a good one.

"Everything we raise goes to St Vincent De Paul. It's a very worthy cause. And anyone can support us by making a donation of toys or cash at any time."

Tom Cook, equally damp from the ride, added that despite the rain there were no incidents. "Everybody had a safe ride today. There were a few little slips under acceleration, but everyone was watching the road."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> The Penticton Lions served up awesome chili

"This has to be one of the worst days yet for this event. We'd really appreciate donations after the fact."

St. Vincent De Paul representatives, on hand and generally huddling under umbrellas, were uniform in their praise for the OMRA and their long history of giving.

"They do this ride for us every year, and it's really our first thought of Christmas," said one. "It plays a big role in our Christmas hamper campaign. We delivered 394 hampers last year."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

And they had advice for anyone who'd like to add to the rain-impacted Toy Run total.

"Anyone who wants to contribute can bring a cheque to St. Ann's Parish at 1298 Main Street. Make the cheque payable to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, and they'll get it to us right away."

Sounds like a great idea to us.



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