It might seem early, but we are already compiling a list of Toy Runs around the nation and need your help.
We have started listing several below, but this is in no way the complete list. In fact, we might have already missed some such as the Great North Brisbane Motorcycle Toy Run which was run last Sunday (27 October 2019)
Click here to send details to us via email and we will add your toy run to this article.
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Safe toy runs
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Also, the Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run has warned riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
They say Ipswich Police they will access video of the event and fine offending riders or pillions.
We are unaware of any similar warnings at any other toy runs.
However, police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Townsville GoFundMe
We have already published information about the 39th Townville Toy Run who have started a GoFundme page. to raise $5000 to aid people still reeling from the February floods.
Organiser Dave Ross says many Townsville families lost “absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year”.
So they started the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy more items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
November 16
Cairns: The fifth annual toy run starts at the cruise liner terminal at 11.30am, hosted by the Cairns and Tablelands Recreational Motorcyclists. This year the costume theme is “Beards and Blues”. Ride leaves at 1.30pm.
November 24
Port Melbourne: The Father Bob Toy Run has starting points in all directions from regional and outer suburbs heading to 1 Wharf Rd, Port Melbourne for 11am. The Father Bob Maguire Foundation feeds and supports many homeless, and families, facing financial hardship. Donations of new non-fluffy toys, non-perishable food (ring-pull cans), UHT milk, toiletries, new clothes, clean second-hand blankets and cash are needed.
Townsville: 39th Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run Appeal on Sunday November 24 at Village Boulevard Riverway Park under the trees with a 90km ride from 9am. Donations can be dropped at North Shore Woollies or Toyworld.
December 1
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.
December 7
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
December 8
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 14
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 15
Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS store carpark in Keilor at 10am.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com