BCJC Toy Run
By Pat Harrison
It was Sunday November 25th and Santa drove a jeep that day.... or rather 212 of them! Let's just say he would have been proud of the efforts and turnout for the 3rd annual Lower Mainland BCJC 2012 Toy Run. The main organizers from the BC Jeep Club were Heather Hutchinson, Camron Bell and Russell Grosser but they hesitate to take credit for the 100s of hours of work they put into organizing the huge event. They are however quick to point out the dozens of other members who stepped up to the plate and pitched in to make this the most successful event in the clubs history.
The entire focus for the day was to support the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and raise funds and gifts for the children of families that could truly use a helping hand at this time of year. The initial gathering at the Sasquatch Inn on Lougheed Highway saw some incredible numbers generated by a like-minded collection of four wheelers from all walks of life. The event generated; 609 food items, 616 unwrapped unopened toys, 125 clothing items and in excess of $4700 in cash - proceeds from 50/50 tickets, sticker sales commemorating the event and a raffle draw that was enough to make any off-road enthusiasts’ Christmas a little muddier. No fewer than 26 local businesses kicked in an impressive array of goodies –goodies that brought the crowd together before heading out en masse for the trails and challenges that the area has to offer.
The bulk of the group ended up at the Hale Creek Recreation site for a club BBQ that was a great opportunity for everyone to socialize and soak up the sunshine and fresh air of the day - the day Santa drove a Jeep.
So if you notice a little mud on the back of his pants this year, cut him some slack will you? He's lifted, locked and loaded now so that hundreds of Lower Mainland families will have a brighter Christmas.