On Nov. 24, the Silver Spur Riding Club will host its annual toy ride in support of families in need in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
The event has been taking place since 1991 and has been a yearly highlight for equestrians as well as for people who love to see horses and ponies.
It was the brainchild of then president, Bob Hughes. It started at the Coombs Fairgrounds, then moved to Qualicum and finally Parksville.
Over time it has evolved to include visits to two local assisted-living facilities, Stanford Place and Arrowsmith Lodge. The event attracts between 30 to 50 riders who muster at Ballenas Secondary School.
The event attracts riders from all disciplines, both young and old, most of whom are local, but not all. Because the event is so much fun, there are always some who travel quite some distance to attend.
The riders are asked to bring a donation or an unwrapped present for a child or youth that will be donated to the SOS. There are also a number of volunteers and parents who support the riders on foot and collect presents along the route. The ride begins at 12:30 p.m. and will arrive at SOS at approximately 2 p.m.
