The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Members of the Flin Flon Motorcycle Association will be putting their parade to good use this year. As they make their way from the Gateway out to Wanless and back for their annual Poker Run on May 25, the group will then make a tour in town to showoff their bikes. Before they take off for their parade, teddy bears and other toys will be collected to donate to the Elks Christmas Hamper program. Road Captain Brent Burke says they decided to join efforts with the Elks this year. 'With the annual bike raffle we decided to combine it into a toy run,' the avid biker says. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and Burke says it's the perfect time of year to do a toy run. Gordon Evans, Exalted Ruler of the Flin Flon Elks Lodge No. 232, says each year their program gives out roughly 125 hampers to families in need. 'The Motorcycle Association helping will be great,' he says, eager to get the drive going. 'Every year we struggle to feed those less fortunate families, but (people) in Flin Flon are very charitable. 'Every year, for (the) 40 years we've been doing this, we've pulled through.' Burke says the bikers are happy to help out. 'Bikers generally have good hearts when it comes to kids,' the Road Captain said. 'And, so do the Elks as they do (the Hamper program) every Christmas.' Neither the Elks nor the FFMA have a goal set for the first toy drive. 'It just depends on the kindness of everyone involved,' Burke said. Each biker and passenger are asked to bring a new, unopened, toy to the May 25 event. 'Those watching the parade are more than welcome to donate,' said Burke, noting a truck will be following the parade to collect any donations. 'The children will enjoy it,' he said. '...it gives you a good feeling when (children) get their gift and their eyes open wide,' said Evans, knowing many children don't receive any presents at Christmas time. Following the Poker Run and parade, the association will hold their annual Biker's Social and raffle. This year, the group will raffle off a 2013 Harley Davidson Road Glide. 'Everyone attending the social will be entered into a door prize for a used motorcycle (that has been) donated,' Burke said. '...we've got it up and running and (will be) a great starter bike.' Taking the month to raise awareness of motorcycles, Burke says 'please look twice because you might save a life. It could be someone you love.'
