The leaves have barely started to fall from the trees, but on Sunday it began to look a lot like Christmas in Prince George.
Rudolph has nothing on the hundreds of motorbikes of all makes and styles that filled the CN Centre parking lot before setting off on the annual hour-long Toy Run ride.
Now well into its third decade, the Toy Run serves as an opportunity for bike enthusiasts to get together and give back, by donating toys to the Salvation Army.
"I think it's amazing. The support in the community through the Toy Run is absolutely incredible for the north," said Salvation Army captain Crystal Wilkinson. "I think it's a great opportunity for them to connect and also to serve their community through the giving of toys."
The toy haul was already looking like it would exceed the previous year's donations, said Wilkinson before the riders set off at 1 p.m.
The items collected will go to local families during the holiday season.
"Most of the families that come in and see us have little to no gifts to give to their children," Wilkinson said. "So by us providing them with toys and with food as well for a Christmas meal we're hoping to make their Christmas a little bit brighter."
The Prince George event is the largest out of the four Toy Runs held in the north. Riders came in from Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, Williams Lake and more, said organizer Len Hall, owner of the local Harley Davidson store.
"This is the biggie," said Hall, who was hoping to get a final count of at least 500 bikes participating.
