Heart Like A Wheel - Fraser Valley Toy Run

Sunday October 17, 2010

Feature Story

Heart Like A Wheel

Fraser Valley Toy Run bikers roll through Chilliwack

Craig Hill/Voice photos

Bikers leave Chilliwack for Abbotsford on the annual Christmas Toy Run Sunday.

hristmas came a bit early on a fabulous fall Sunday morning for the 24th Annual Fraser Valley Toy Run and along with it came sadness for the couple hundred motorcyclists who gathered in the Sears parking lot at Cottonwood Mall when they learned that one of the run's founding members, Lenora "Ma" Hopkins, was killed in a car accident Saturday.

"Today is the 24th Annual Fraser Valley Toy Run, on behalf of the toy run, it's organizers and all the kids who benefit, I would like to thank you all for joining us today," said organizer Stu. "I'm the leader of the toy run and Smokey is the other one."

"It is with great sadness today that I have some bad news. One of our founding riders, our matriarch and a very close personal friend of mine, Lenora "Ma" Hopkins was killed in a car accident last night. This toy run is dedicated to her in her memory and her husband's memory who also founded this toy run 24-years ago with 7 bikes," he said. Toy Run organizers Stu and Smokey at the mall on Sunday.

"Let's all ride safe and get there in one piece."

Ron "Smokey" Moore told the Voice that they were all deeply saddened and will miss Hopkins dearly.

"It is good weather so we have a very good turnout and we just hope that everybody has a safe, easy, gentle ride down there and its with sadness to the loss of our matriarch, Ma Hopkins, and that kind of puts a damper on a few of us who knew her very well and be with you ma."

Chilliwack husband and wife riders John and Elaine Sowik joined the Chilliwack to Abbotsford via Mission run for the first time this year.

John and Elain Sowik getting ready to leave on their first run.

"We tried to do it last year but we actually just missed it," he said with his wife adding that "It's a little crisp in air but its really nice, its a good turnout and should be fun and everyone is remembering one of the founder's wives."

All proceeds and toys are distributed through the Christmas Bureau and stay in the Fraser Valley to benefit local kids who otherwise might not have a Christmas.

For more motorcycle information visit: www.gvmc.ca or www.aimvancouver.com

See the photo gallery below.