Fingers crossed there won t be any snow in Timmins for at least another several months. But there is one group of people that is already looking forward to Christmas. On a perfect summer day, dozens of motorcycles made their way through Timmins, many with a special passenger on board. The fourth-annual Timmins Police Service/Harley Owners Group Santa s Motorcycle Toy Rally was held Saturday, gathering toys and funds for less fortunate families this Christmas. "Santa used his connections with the weathermen this year to make sure we had a great day for this event," said Timmins Deputy Chief Des Walsh, who is also a member of the HOG Northeast Chapter. Collecting toys for local children has been something the Timmins police has been doing for many years. Walsh said it used to be something officers and volunteers did quietly and on their own time, until the partnership with HOG was established. Those who participate are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy or a $10 donation, as well as non-perishable food items, which are dropped off at the South Porcupine Food Bike during the rally. "Today every single rider here is one of Santa s helpers," said Walsh. HOG Northeast chapter director Frank Verville said the Harley Davidson shop in Sudbury, the only one in the North, has been very supportive of the ride, as the members have. Currently there are 86 members in the chapter, a third of them women. On Saturday, Verville said riders came from as far as Kapuskasing, Hearst and Iroquois Falls to participate. Being a part of a motorcycle group has changed over the years, ridding itself of negative connotations. "For me it s a stress reliever," Verville said. "Even if I can only get out for an hour a day, it clears my head. "We like any reason to have a ride and this is a good reason." Walsh added riding has become a recreational sport for many over the past several years, especially for the baby boomer generation. "It s relaxing, it s pleasant and it s fun," he said. "The old stereotype that existed where members of a club were bad people is gone." Anyone is welcome to join the rally, whether they own a Harley Davidson or some other type of motorcycle. Verville said the number of riders has increased as more and more women start driving their own bikes. Once the rally ends at the Timmins Police Service building where a crowd and the Timmins Police Pipes and Drums welcome them, the toys are stored, awaiting Santa s arrival in December. A special Christmas party is held at the Timmins Suites and Inn, where the children gather and receive their presents. Last year 140 children benefited from the event. "At the end of the day, this is for the kids in the community," Walsh said. "This partnership between the Timmins police and HOG is one we re really proud of. "Anything we can do of this nature to benefit children in this community is a good thing."
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