The Silver Spur Riding Club is saddling up once again for its 23rd annual Equestrian Christmas Toy Ride. As the group travels through Parksville on Sunday, Nov. 16, they will gather toys to donate to the S.O.S Toy Fund.
“We as a club like to have a purpose for our rides and this one keeps growing,” said Carol Wolver, who is a member of the club and on the Toy Ride committee. “Our club likes to support the S.O.S, particularly at this time of year.”
Wolver said she is expecting around 40 to 50 riders to participate this year, depending on the weather.
According to a news release from the S.O.S, riders will leave the Ballenas parking lot at noon before heading east on Morison Avenue and then down McMillan to the S.O.S.
After delivering toys at the S.O.S, the riders will enjoy a lunch provided by Thrifty Foods, Parksville. Then at 12:45 p.m., riders will follow the wagon to Stanford Place Care Centre to pick up more donations and visit the residents.
“Standford Place residents and staff have donated a tremendous amount of gifts that we take to the S.O.S, as well as carrots for the horses,” said Wolver. “The residents are thrilled to see the horses, especially since many grew up around horses.”
Wolver and the S.O.S both said spectators are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to place in the tractor-pulled wagon or in a rider’s saddlebags along the route. Toys can also be given to the group at Ballenas or Standford Place.
For more info, visit silverspurridingclub.org.