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By S. Claus. Special to THE BLURB (Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada)
What do you get when 145 cars gather at 3 different locations, and people dress themselves & their vehicles in a festive manner, and Santa Claus rides in a Jaguar? You get a lot of donations for the Christmas charity “Operation Santa Claus” and this must be the British Car Toy Run! Now everyone knows that Santa lives at the North Pole. What you might not realize is that for the last few years, he’s been leaving the sleigh & coming south in September to ride in a British classic to help his elves help others. This is the 3rd British Car Toy Run, which took place on September 28, 1997 with glorious non-North Pole like weather (in the high 70’s). The Toy Run is a roving car show, a show for DRIVERS. All the participants & spectators are encouraged to bring new toys & other donations for Jimmy Lomax’s charity, which, since 1958 has been helping people of all ages to have a merrier Christmas. Jimmy has received many recognitions for his years of voluntary dedication, one of which is the Order Of Canada. Inspired by the toy runs done by motorcyclists, the Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada began hosting this event in 1995. As Jimmy Lomax says, “the Toy Run is more ‘upscale’ than the biker runs”, as one would expect with the marques present:

Rolls,
Jaguar,
Marcos,
Triumph,
Aston-Martin,
Bentley,
Morgan,
Lotus,
Austin Healey,
MG, etc.
In the past, guests have included Bugatti & MG kit cars. This year, we were pleased to have 18 Miatas attend from the very enthusiastic Trillium Miata Club who fielded some very elaborate Christmas displays.

Participants are encouraged to decorate their cars in the festive manner. The Run begins with the cars assembling at the Starting Location. This time the start was the picturesque Halton Region Museum, at the foot of the Glen Eden Ski Area, in Milton. Here the cars are registered, with the goody bags, dash plaques, & instructions received. There are no fees, as the organizers believe the charity should receive the maximum benefit, while participants receive good value & a good time. Expenses are offset by donations from
sponsors, clubs, & individuals, and by a 50/50 draw. Donated food & beverages were sold by Museum volunteers - all the proceeds benefiting the Museum & Operation Santa Claus.

At 1:00 PM, Santa boarded his Jaguar (Santa always rides in a car from the year’s Featured Marque) and the police-escorted convoy departed for the hour-long scenic tour. Joining the entourage were 2 radio station vans & a tow truck (just in case)! Thankfully, none of the 140+ cars required this free service! Despite the record number of cars, the parade moved smoothly through the hilly, winding roads, and through the intersections & traffic lights - thanks to the 5 cruisers of the Halton Regional Police, the written directions, and signs at the turns. Arriving at the Mapleview Centre mall in Burlington, the assemblage was ushered into our parking area. Here the cars were judged while participants handed-in their donations to Jimmy & Susan Lomax. Folks decorated their cars to the tunes of “British Invasion” music & Christmas Carols, provided by the DJ.

On-site displays & a vendor (who donated a portion of his sales to the charity), were also present. Local media photographed & videotaped the spectacle, while enthusiast Mike Richards, videotaped the procession en route. At 4:30, participants re-located to the 3rd & final location, a nearby hall, for the “Pre-Christmas Awards Party”. Chili, buns, coffee, & desserts were provided at no charge, in keeping with the event’s theme. Awards & door prizes were presented, & Ken Baker (Saloon Club) received $363 in the 50/50 draw!

The awards have a Christmas theme, not surprisingly, and they are only as serious as the people doing the judging! The Featured Marque chosen becomes a yearly trophy. Thus Jaguar now joins organ & Triumph with a trophy each year. The Featured Marque for ‘98 is Land Rover, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary! Thus, there will be a Land Rover trophy & Santa has been promised a ride in a vehicle that can handle any terrain or weather condition!

Award recipients were:

Santa’s Favourite Jaguar: Chris Phillip’s ‘53 XK120.
Santa’s Favourite Triumph: Frank Manning’s ‘63 TR4
Santa’s Favourite Morgan: Ted Zurbrigg’s ‘56 +4.
Most Christ massy Car: Rick & Elaine LaPrairie’s ‘90 Mazda Miata.
Most Christmases Past (oldest car): M. Aveline’s ‘51 English Ford Prefect.
Furthest From The North Pole (long distance): Bob Yule’s ‘62 Healey (from Monkton, Ontario — the Land Rover from New York didn’t make it this time!).
Santa’s Choice: James Lomax’s (not of the charity) ‘66 Healey.
Judge’s Choice: Ron McLeod’s ‘70 Marcos.
Most Christ massy Folk: The Meyer Family, who have supported the event since the inception — parking cars, handing out flyers, obtaining a donation from their British Sportscar Club, etc.
Jimmy Lomax’s Favourite: Frank Manning’s ‘63 TR4.

A MSCCC President’s Award was presented to Phil Miller & Ken Baker for their creation of the Empire Day event & for their assistance to the Toy Run.

Jimmy Lomax also presented a plaque to the organizers, Fred & Lynn Kuzyk, and one to Mapleview Centre for their years of support. Jimmy’s is an all volunteer organization & even the plaques that he presents are paid for by himself, rather than using funds that are to go to the needy. Although all the totals are not in, Jimmy received cheques from the Morgan & Toronto Triumph Clubs. Hundreds of dollars in cash were also received, as well as 2 vans full of toys! One of the gratifying aspects of this event is the spin-offs that result from the publicity. Others have been inspired to hold their own events or promotions for Operation Santa Claus. Mapleview Centre
again collected toys from the public in December, 4 vans full. Earlier this year, Sears Canada at Mapleview presented the Lomax’s with a cheque. Last year, local funeral workers collected toys for Jimmy at their annual Christmas party, as their contribution to the Toy Run. Sir Winston’s pub, a
Toy Run contributor, once again held a Christmas tree raffle to aid Operation Santa Claus, and there are others.

The world lost two champions of charity this year: Princess Diana & Mother Theresa. Someone has said that the best manner to honour them is to carry on their good works. 1998 marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Santa Claus. The Christmas Spirit is alive & well. British car enthusiasts
in “The Great White North” invite you to “Think Santa on the last Sunday of September” (September 27) for the 4th British Car Toy Run!
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