Drivers got muddy in Mission on the weekend in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. The Dirt Church Lower Mainland 4x4 Toy Run returned on Sunday morning (Nov. 27) at the Stave Lake mud flats on Second Beach with over 1,000 vehicles, a half dozen boats and a helicopter participating.
Though totals have yet to be finalized, an estimated $10,000 was raised at the event in addition to gift cards and a 12 foot trailer full of donated toys. The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau confirmed $9,000 in cash donations before counting cheques.
Maple Ridge Chrysler donated food for concessions and Four Wheel Drive Association volunteers cooked with $2,675 raised. West Coast Scale Trail pulled in $870 with their raffle for the 1/10 scale RC buggy. Vicked Creations sold out of decals after raising $1,060 before BC Off Road Adventure donated more decals of their own to sell.
“I think I think the moment that I actually handed over the cash from the decal sales was was pretty spectacular,” said Dirt Church Toy Run organizer Vicky Bruinink. “It was a group effort by many to make the event possible this year. I can’t thank the volunteers enough and all those who participated.”
Dozens of 4x4 groups and companies participated in the event by donating and/or attending. Awards were given out to those in attendance for ‘Best Holiday Lights’, ‘Most Santarific’, ‘Mud Splashtacular’, ‘Muddiest of Them All’, ‘Can’t Believe it Still Runs’, ‘Best Mini Mudder’, ‘Kid’s Choice’, ‘Best Decorated’ and ‘Can’t Believe it’s Not Full Size’.
The event featured a wide range of off-road enthusiasts — including off-roaders, softroaders, quads, dirt bikes, the Gambler 500 team, West Coast Scale Trail, and Dirt Church.