Legion Riders host Teddy Bear Run

BREWSTER – The Legion Riders of American Legion Columbia Post 97 hosted a Teddy Bear Run Saturday, July 22, to gather stuffed animals for distribution to children by first responders.

Post 97 assistant director, Glen Farrington, who also serves as the ride coordinator and road captain for the group, said more than a dozen bikers turned out for the event, several making the trip from the west side of the state to participate in the event.

Cyclists from the American Legion posts in Bellingham and Blaine joined two bikers from the Samaritan Rivers in Chelan to form the out-of-town contingent. 

“We ask each rider to donate a stuffed animal to help first responders,” Farrington said. 

The first responders present the stuffed animals to children involved in emergencies, accidents or other mishaps to comfort youngsters caught up in a traumatic situation.

Last Saturday’s ride involved a loop from Brewster to Wenatchee and back again, a trip that took about four hours, Farrington said

“We ended up collecting 62 animals,” said Farrington. “Nattalie (Brewster police chief Nattalie Cariker) agreed to handle distribution.”

Accordingly, Farrington said he handed off the animals to Brewster patrol officer, Adam Nichols, when Farrington encountered Nichols the following day.

While the Legion Riders participate in local parades, veteran funeral escorts and other events, several years have passed since the last Teddy Bear Run in the county.

“The last one was by the Oroville American Legion about five years ago, Farrington recalled.

Last April the Legion Riders held a poker run to raise funds for the Inland Northwest Honor Flight that pays for Northwest veterans to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C.

The next regular meeting of Columbia Post 97 is at 10 a.m. Sunday, August 13.