AMBER-LEA MARIE
Special to The NEWS
In support of Parksville’s local food bank this holiday season, Santa cruised into town and stopped in at Bayview Custom Motorcycles on Saturday, as staff welcomed residents to participate in photos in exchange for food and clothing donations.
“It’s a wonderful thing when the community can come together in support of one another,” said Paul Nielsen, founder and owner of Bayview Custom Motorcycles.
“Just as the community has supported us from the ground up, it’s our duty to support them,” says Nielsen. “All food donations will be taken to Parksville’s local Salvation Army Food Bank, and clothing to the SOS.”
Despite harsh weather conditions over the weekend, moms and dads brought their little biker babes dressed to impress as they sat on Santa’s knee for a photo.
Though not your traditional setup, “We parked the old ’74 shovelhead chopper in the showroom for Santa to sit on,” said Nielsen. “The kids thought it was pretty cool!”
Santa passed out candy canes to kids and even treats to family pets, while parents cruised the shop checking out bikes and custom builds.
While all non-perishables and clothing donations sit under the Christmas tree in the Bayview showroom, the crew at Bayview is openly accepting further offerings leading up to Christmas.
“We sincerely want to thank everyone that has taken the time to donate to the cause thus far,” said Nielsen. “We’ve seen quite a bit of support.”
With boxes overflowing from donations, the guys and gals at Bayview prove benevolence is a team effort.
“We want to share and give the best way we can,” Nielsen said. “We all deserve to have a little something to wake up to over the holidays.”
As contributions continue to find themselves under the Bayview tree, Nielsen said motorcycle enthusiasts aren’t as rough around the edges as they may seem.
“We have a soft spot in our hearts, too,” said Nielsen.
“On behalf of our family here at Bayview Motorcycles, in addition to donations we’ve been able to help support a local woman in need this Christmas, which is what it’s all about. Together the crew raised $500 to help get her on her feet while she gains strength and support to leave the hospital.”
Come the New Year, the crew at Bayview Custom Motorcycles plans the carry-over of support throughout the local community. Nielsen mentions that everyone’s big-heartedness this season has enthralled ideas for 2017.
“We’re planning on starting a ‘Garage Night,’” said Nielsen. “We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable learning about their bikes, how to work on them and feel supported within our motorcycle community, no matter what kind of ride they have.”
Nielsen reminds us this holiday season:
“Sometimes giving a little inspiration to be the change that someone needs in their world is all it takes.”