The roar of engines and the sight of nearly 250 motorcycles rolling through downtown Moose Jaw brought crowds to the curb on Sept. 20 as riders gathered for the 37th annual Toy Run Parade.

Hosted by the Moose Jaw Cycle Association, the event once again capped the riding season with a heartfelt purpose: collecting toys to brighten Christmas for children through the Salvation Army.

For longtime organizer Murray Roney, the day’s success came down to two essentials: community spirit and — of course — good riding weather.

“I think it was really decent,” Roney said. “Everybody wants to get in the last couple of rides … and they came from all over for this. It’s really nice to see everybody.”

Riders travelled from across southern Saskatchewan, including Weyburn, Regina, and surrounding communities, with the sunshine drawing even more participants than anticipated.

The parade wound its way from Manitoba Street West, up Main Street North, and finished at the Salvation Army Citadel, where donations were unloaded for distribution this Christmas.

Major Byron Kean of the Salvation Army, who witnessed his second Toy Run Parade since assuming the role in July 2024, said the support was overwhelming.

“The Toy Run Parade is always a highlight of our year, because it gets the community so involved in helping us with Christmas. It has been an absolutely beautiful day and we’ve had around 250 motorcycles participate,” Kean said.

He noted the turnout provides more than toys — it also gives families a measure of relief at a time when many are struggling.

“The toys will help a lot of our children at Christmastime, and it helps parents who really can’t afford to buy a toy or a stuffed animal. This will give them a little bit of breathing room to do other things to help them survive in today’s economy,” added Kean.

For riders, the Toy Run represents both tradition and personal meaning. Among them was Regina’s Bill Bobyk, who has been joining toy runs for more than two decades.

“I like the cause of getting toys for kids who wouldn’t have stuff otherwise,” he said. “I usually buy a bunch of stuffed animals … because when I was a little kid, I remember how my mom would make stuff for me — piles of stuff — and those things were pretty close to me. So I think (these toys) … are really good, especially for little kids who maybe don’t have parents who can give the usual amount of attention to them. It’s a good source of comfort for them.”

Roney emphasized that the event’s success rests not only with the riders but also with the spectators who line Main Street each year.

“There are a great number of people who are involved with this — not just on the bikes, but there’s also a lot of people who come out and sit on Main Street. They’re always hollering encouragement and waving,” he said.

“I think they’re just about as happy for us as we are for the kids, you know. They know (the toys) are going to the kids for Christmas, so they’re very appreciative,” Roney added.

Kean echoed that gratitude, calling the parade an example of how Moose Jaw rallies together.

“We just want to say thank you to the city of Moose Jaw. We’re starting our second year here in Moose Jaw and we love it. I just want to say thank you to Moose Jaw for welcoming us into your city and allowing us to be a part of everything,” he said as the run concluded. “It’s all (possible) because of the support from the community throughout the year … and we are so appreciative for all the support that we’ve received.”

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express