Local cruiser groups ride for Alberta children’s charities

By Lethbridge Herald on September 10, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It was a great weekend for charity on wheels. 

The Lethbridge Street Wheelers held the inaugural Jace’s Donut Cruise and the Southern Alberta Bikers (SAB) had their 44th annual Toy Ride. The car and motorcycle enthusiast communities here take care of their own, but also endeavour to take care of their communities as well. 

Jace’s Donut Cruise, organized by the Street Wheelers, raised money for the Lethbridge Pediatric Ward, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping families handle cancer. It’s named in honour of three-year-old cancer survivor Jace Parker, son of Street Wheeler Member Daryl Parker.

In 2024, then two-year-old Jace Parker was diagnosed with rhabdomyoscarcoma, a cancerous tumor in the muscle near his eye. Doctors were very optimistic at the time that it was a treatable, but it did require aggressive treatment.

With the support of the Street Wheelers community and effective medical treatment, which required surgical removal of Jace’s left eye, he is now cancer-free. 

“When it comes to the automotive community and helping out, especially when it comes to children, it’s second to none,” said Street Wheelers president Alex Dewar. “Their support is fantastic. The community rallied around Daryl and his family during this trying time, and they came through with a flying colors”

Entry into the cruise was a new toy (preference given to “Hot Wheels”) or a cash donation, with proceeds benefiting the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Lethbridge Pediatric Ward. Following the 100-km cruise around the area, a barbecue was held at Legacy Regional Park.

For SAB, the annual Toy Ride is more than a ride; it’s a celebration of giving back to the community. Participants bring either a toy or cash donation to support local families and make a difference in the community. 

Biker K.P. “Santa” Capewell wore a Kringle outfit for the occasion and was at the head of the line of motorcycles.  

“I’ve been Santa for about 34 consecutive years. I ride outside the ride, but I only do my Santa here.”

So when Daryl Parker suggested the Street Wheelers do a fund raiser to support the organizations that helped Jace, it was a no-brainer for the Street Wheelers organization. 

“We help the community and we help our own. Whoever’s in need is where it’s at. It was a no-brainer to help those who helped him to facilitate that difficult journey,” said Dewar.

At the end of the 30-minute parade around Lethbridge, SAB president Dallas Harty thanked everyone at the end of the ride.

“Without you guys, obviously we couldn’t do this. It’s important to the community because all of your guys’ support goes back to the people that are a little less fortunate and need a little bit more than most of us do.”

Harty told everyone a lot of the money donated is going to feed kids in school, and that there’s a huge issue with kids going hungry.

“Most people don’t realize it…every time we have an organizational meeting, it’s more and more evident how much of an ongoing issue these hungry kids are with the lunch programs and whatnot. And we’re doing our best that we can to put as much in to help and feed these kids,” he said.