After a lengthy period of toy runs in the lead-up to Christmas, we arrive at the last weekend for the charitable rides.
Toy runs do a lot of good for the community raising cash and donations (toys and non-perishable foods) for groups such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Police warn that doing high-fives with bystanders and throwing lollies at the crowd could cause a crash.
They 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!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 14
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.
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.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.
December 15
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
This year a group of 3497 Harley-Davidson riders (pictured above) grabbed the world motorcycle parade record in Paris, Texas, breaking the previous record of 2404 in Patras, Greece.
Those records could be challenged by some of the biggest Toy Runs in Australia over the next couple of weekends.
Why do riders live a parade? They love to show off their bikes, make some noise, get involved and be a part of something big.
The greatest treat in riding in any parade is the smiles it brings to the faces of children … and many big kids!
Charities
Toy runs also do a lot of good for the community raising cash and donations (toys and non-perishable foods) for groups such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
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.
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run warns riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
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!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 7
2017 Hobart toy run
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
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
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.
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.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.
December 15
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
Motorcycle rides raise millions for various organisations all year, but the biggest events are the annual Christmas Toy Runs which aid various charities.
Among the biggest and oldest is the Newcastle Bikers for Kids Toy Run.
Charities
Charities to benefit from these toy runs include Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul.
Many rides also give toys, non-perishable food and cash donations to local charities.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
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?
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run warns riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
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!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 1
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
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.
Mt Lindesay: Register from 8am at the Middle Green Sports Club, Greenbank, for a ride leaving at 10am. Cost is $10 ($5 for pillion) which includes water, patch and a lucky draw prize entry. All proceeds go to Beckey’s Place which supports children and adults with special needs to develop a relationship with miniature horses. Bring unwrapped toys for children. There is a trophy for the best decorated bike.
Fraser Coast: Assemble from 7am for a 9am start from the Brolga Theatre in Walker St, Maryborough. The Independent Riders Australia run ends at Torbanlea with a sausage sizzle, live music, raffles and more.
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
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
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.
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.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.
December 15
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
The latter also has 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.
Join our Christmas list
We’re making a list and checking it twice, so make sure your Christmas toy run is included.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
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
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, 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!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
November 23
Tabelands: The 23rd annual Tablelands Toy Run starts with breakfast from 7.30am at the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade on Tinaroo Falls Dam Road. The ride starts at 9am starts and finishes with a barbecue at the Tolga Salvation Army Store on the Kennedy Highway. Prizes for best decorated bikes and riders.
November 24
South Melbourne: The Toy Run for Father Bob departs 10.15am from Seaford, Noble Park, Ringwood & Ring Road East service centre to 204 Gladstone St, South Melbourne for 11am. Donations – age appropriate – tots to teens, youths and families. New unwrapped gifts, plush (not fluffy) stuffed toys, books, puzzles, indoor/outdoor games, musical instruments, novelty accessories, festive season edible treats, gift vouchers, fun park/event/cinema tickets, and cash. Unavoidably they have had to scale down the event activities this year. 2020 we will be back at 1-7 Wharf Road, Port Melbourne, with food, stalls, raffles, music, a mystery main ride, and prizes.
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
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
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.
Mt Lindesay:Register from 8am at the Middle Green Sports Club, Greenbank, for a ride leaving at 10am. Cost is $10 ($5 for pillion) which includes water, patch and a lucky draw prize entry. All proceeds go to Beckey’s Place which supports children and adults with special needs to develop a relationship with miniature horses. Bring unwrapped toys for children. There is a trophy for the best decorated bike.
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
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
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.
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
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.
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)
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
Ipswich toy run
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
Townsville Toy Run
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 Runhas 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
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
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.
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)
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
Ipswich toy run
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 will film 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
Townsville Toy Run
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 Runhas 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
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
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 the Winston Glades Shopping Centre, not Brassall as in previous years. 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.
Townsville riders have started a GoFundMe page to increase the fund raising for their 39th annual Toy Run next month to help families affected by February’s floods.
The floods, caused by a slow-moving cycling, was one of the worst natural disasters to impact the region causing two deaths, one missing person, 10 injuries and millions of dollars in damage.
Organiser Dave Ross says they hope to raise $5000 through their GoFundMe campaign.
Funds will be used to buy items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.
“So many Townsville families have lost absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year,” he says.
“Many families are still struggling with their loss and hopefully we can make the whole family smile on Christmas Day.”
Townsville Toy Run
The Townsville District Motorcycle Riders Association 39th annual Toy Run will start at the Riverway Precinct with registration and breakfast from 7am.
The 90km ride will start at 9am.
Apart from raising funds through crowd-funding, riders are asked to donate educational toys and puzzles, clothing, sporting goods, fishing gear, toiletries and beach towels.
Riders are also asked to decorate their bikes in a Christmas theme and include a stuffed toy bought form the Salvos store.
“These donations are handed to our community organisation which are then sorted into age groups for the parents to choose a gift for their children, that they otherwise may not have been able to afford,” Dave says.
“Unfortunately we are unable to stop during the ride to collect more donations.
“However we have donation points in Townsville which are advertised on our Facebook page.“
List your toy run
It might seem early, but we are already compiling a list of Toy Runs around the nation and need your help.
As the biker toy run season nears its end this weekend, the Salvos (Salvation Army of Australia) have thanked the tens of thousands of riders who have participated and provided donations.
Salvos community fundraising GM Andrew Hill says about $6-$7m has been raised in donations during the Christmas season. He says most of it comes from grass-roots events such as biker toy runs.
The remaining toy run on our list is the 41st annual Toowoomba Motorcycle Toy Run this Sunday (December 16, 2018). It leaves Picnic Point at noon and ends at the showgrounds.
Convoy of joy
1996 Melbourne Toy Run
Biker toy runs have also been bring joy to communities for many years, Andrew says.
“There is perhaps no better sight than seeing a convoy of bikers wearing Santa hats with toys on their decorated bikes,” he says.
“Toy runs demonstrate that bikers, who some people see as a little removed from the rest of society, have this beautiful soft side of giving back to the community and collecting toys for needy kids”.
“It also demonstrates the heart of the community work the Salvos do and that we don’t discriminate. Everyone can pitch in.
“Whether you are the CEO, the cook, the cleaner or the school teacher, everyone can play their part.”
Salvos work
Andrew says it is difficult to quantify the work the Salvos do and how much is raised in toy runs because they are organised locally.
“Most toy runs are a grass-roots activity,” he says.
“At this time of year biker toy runs are quite prevalent around the country and attract great deal of media coverage for our work.
“We help over 300,000 people at Christmas time.
“Demand significantly increase at this time because that’s when people start to think about family. Those finding it tough in life think about doing something for their kids.
“So they approach Salvos and other organisations to help bring joy to their homes.
“We hear stories all the time where people wrap gifts and leave it on our doorsteps.
“This is the beauty of the Salvos; it is so grass roots.”
This weekend is shaping up as the biggest for Christmas Toy Runs with motorcycle clubs and organisations dressing up for fun and giving gifts to the needy.
There have already been several toy runs around the country with many more to come.
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes.
Toy Runs
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 8
Canberra: The 38th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House is on Saturday December 8 from 8am with a ride at 10am.
Kingaroy: South Burnett Bikers Toy Run on Saturday December 8 from Mitre 10 from 9.30-11am for a ride to the showgrounds. Call 0428-960-480 for more information.
Sale: The 21st Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run on December 8 at 9am from the Sale Clock Tower is already accepting non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 9
Melbourne: The Melbourne Toy Run has starting points all over the city heading to Tabcorp Park on Sunday, December 9 at 10am.
Geelong: All types of bikes are welcome at Deakin Waterfront Carpark from 10am for the 26th annual Geelong HOG Toy Run. Entry is $10 per bike. Bring cash, toys, non-perishable food and vouchers for Bethany Family Services (The annual Giving Tree appeal), Geelong Hospital Children’s Ward, Cottage by the Sea and The Sanctuary Counselling Service. Ride goes to Princess Park Queenscliff where there will be entertainment, food and auctions. About 1500 bikes are expected.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their toy run on Sunday, December 9, from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre.
Perth: The fourth annual Rockingham Toy Run on December 9 leaves from Reading CinemasBelmont at 9am on Sunday, December 9.
Adelaide: The 40th Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track on December 9, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
Tokyo: Riders meet at Tomei Ebina Service Area about 8am and leave at 9am to ride to a children’s home, leave some gifts, play with the kids and share some food before riding on to a second children’s home for more of the same. Riders will also engage as many members of the public along the way to explain what they’re doing. Please bring gifts suitable for 0-18y, boys and girls, and not just toys, but clothes and shoes, but not cash. “People’s time is as important as the gifts – the kids like all the bikes being decorated and riders dressed as Santa to make it a standout day.”
December 16
Toowoomba: The 41st annual Motorcycle Toy Run on Sunday, December 16, at noon leaves Picnic Point and ends at the showgrounds.
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes.
Toy Runs
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 1
Hobart: The 38th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon on Saturday, December 1, and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 19th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run will be held on Saturday, December 1.
Bendigo: December 1 meet at Lansell Square car park from 8am for an 8.30am ride.
Bendigo Toy Run
December 2
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 41st running of the event on Sunday, 2 December 2018, from Stockton to Wickam Park from 8am. Click here to register. this year’s theme is superheroes!
Port Melbourne: The Father Bob Toy Run on Sunday, December 2, has starting points all directions from regional and outer suburbs heading to 1 Wharf Rd, Port Melbourne for 11am.
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld on December 2 from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Gold Coast: The City Council Topy Run starts at 8.30am at Uncles Take Away in Mudgeeraba Rd, Worongary. Stands up at 9.30am for an 80-minute ride to a church service and gift-giving ceremony.
December 8
Canberra: The 38th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House is on Saturday December 8 from 8am with a ride at 10am.
Kingaroy: South Burnett Bikers Toy Run on Saturday December 8 from Mitre 10 from 9.30-11am for a ride to the showgrounds. Call 0428-960-480 for more information.
Sale: The 21st Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run on December 8 at 9am from the Sale Clock Tower is already accepting non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 9
Melbourne: The Melbourne Toy Run has starting points all over the city heading to Tabcorp Park on Sunday, December 9 at 10am.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their toy run on Sunday, December 9, from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre.
Perth: The fourth annual Rockingham Toy Run on December 9 leaves from Reading CinemasBelmont at 9am on Sunday, December 9.
Adelaide: The 40th Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track on December 9, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 16
Toowoomba: The 41st annual Motorcycle Toy Run on Sunday, December 16, at noon leaves Picnic Point and ends at the showgrounds.
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