Barriere’s 7th Annual Thunder Alley Stomp’n Toy Run was very aptly named, as the bikes did sound like thunder as they passed through the streets. Over 40 motorbikes took part in the Toy Run.
Paul and Barb Morris started this event four years ago as a non-profit fund raiser in memory of Nicky Grummett. Grummett, at the age of five, started collecting bottles and cans so he could give the money to families less privileged. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 15 in a motorcycle accident. The Toy Run is held in honour of both Nicky Grummett and his father Colin Grummett, who passed away from cancer.
Bikes started arriving in numbers at the AG Foods parking lot at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. By 11:45 a.m. the lot was getting full, people were chatting, checking out the bikes, and enjoying the coffee and donuts served by volunteers from the Food Bank. “This is the single biggest fundraiser for the Food Bank,” stated Rose Seymour, one of the Food Bank volunteers. “The donations of toys alone make Christmas so much better for many local families, and the donations in cash help us keep our shelves stocked when donations of food items are low.” Indeed, for a small community like Barriere, every donation – large or small – counts!
At noon the run began, winding it’s way throughout the different segments of town, collecting donations along the way. By the time they ended up at the Morris’ home, a pick-up truck load, both box and back seat, was totally filled with food and toy donations that were then brought to the Food Bank. After the run, there were a bunch of games then everyone went to the Legion for a steak dinner and dance. Despite the power outage during the dance, festivities were able to continue when generators were brought in for power.
The money from the coffee and donut sales, the 50/50 drawn at the Morris’ and numerous other cheque donations totaled approximately $2,855. Then, of course, there were the proceeds from the dinner at the Legion, the silent auction, etc, which came to another $3,832. This brings the total to over $6,687.