The oldest, longest continually running and perhaps the biggest toy run, Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run in Newcastle, was restricted to just 50 motorcycles.
This year the 44th running of the event is back to full capacity on Sunday December 5 and organisers say they are planning for their biggest toy run yet.
Thousands of motorbikes of all shapes and sizes, laden with gifts and all dressed up for Christmas, will hit the road from Stockton at 10am led by Santa’s Sleigh.
They will head to Wickham Park for a family day out with Santa, face painting, kids’ rides, market stalls, live bands, food trucks and more.
COVID-19 has made life difficult for many Australians, especially those already facing hardship or struggling to put food on the table.
Organisers say that’s why it’s important for riders and pillions to donate more toys and raise more funds for The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal than ever.
Every toy donated ends up under the Christmas tree of a less fortunate child or teenager who would otherwise go without on Christmas morning.
There will also be a $5 raffle for a chance to win a SYM Classic 200i scooter.
Click here to register free for your chance to win some great prizes and to help organisers manage attendance.
The COVID-safe event will follow all health advice to keep everyone safe.
Bikers for Kids was established in 1990 by long-time motorcycle enthusiast and community figure, Big John Young.
Big John has been awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2015 for his work with the community for children.
He has now passed the reins of the Newcastle Toy Run to his son Daryn Young who hopes to grow the run into something bigger and better each year.
Toy runs
Many other toy runs are gearing up across the country.
One of the first toy runs is the Toy Run for Father Bobin South Melbourne on 24 November. That is not to be confused with the Melbourne Toy Run which so far does not appear to have a confirmed date yet.
In fact, several of the usual toy runs are yet to confirm dates, so I suggest you continue to check the Facebook pages in your local area to see if the events are returning.
Here is what we know so far:
Despite some restrictions last year the42nd Annual MRA Toy Run in Tasmania still had 500 bikes and they are expecting a whole lot more bikes in Hobart this year on December 4.
In Queensland where there have been few restrictions, it seems most rides are back.
After several Australian toy runs were cancelled, restricted or went “virtual” in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, it appears many will return to full strength this year.
Organisers are now gearing up their toy runs as states begin to ease restrictions and come out of lockdown.
After a tumultuous year that affected the livelihoods of many Aussies, charity events such as these are desperately needed and warmly welcomed by local communities.
These toy runs not only raise funds, but mainly non-perishable goods and new toys for families in the lead-up to Christmas. Check the conditions of donations at your local event first.
Most toy runs also feature elaborately decorated riders and bikes.
Ipswich toy run
Last year the oldest and one of the biggest toy runs, Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run was restricted to just 50 motorcycles. This year the 44th running of the Newcastle event is back to full capacity on December 4 and organisers say they are planning for their biggest toy run yet.
In fact, most toy run organisers are expecting large turnouts this year after the lockdown.
One of the first toy runs is the Toy Run for Father Bobin South Melbourne on 24 November. That is not to be confused with the Melbourne Toy Run which so far does not appear to have a confirmed date yet.
In fact, several of the usual toy runs are yet to confirm dates, so I suggest you continue to check the Facebook pages in your local area to see if the events are returning.
NSW and Victoria have suffered the biggest lockdowns and restrictions in the past year so their toy runs were the most severely affected last year.
Other states were less affected.
Here is what we know so far:
Despite some restrictions last year the42nd Annual MRA Toy Run in Tasmania still had 500 bikes and they are expecting a whole lot more bikes in Hobart this year on December 4.
In Queensland where there have been few restrictions, it seems most rides are back.
COVID travel restrictions in Victoria will force this year’s 43rd Melbourne Toy Run to operate as a virtual event.
The Melbourne Motorcycle Toyrun has run every December since 1978, but currently, Melbourne residents are only allowed to travel 25km from home and outdoor groups are restricted to 10.
There is little hope that these restrictions will be eased enough and in time for the traditional toy run.
So, the organisers are asking riders to decorate their bikes with Christmas decorations and bring toys, food, and donations to the
Salvation Army Christmas Appeals at various locations in small groups and post the results on the Melbourne Toy Run Facebook page.
The same happened to this year’s annual worldwide Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in September, resulting in only half the number of participants and amount of funds raised.
However, Victorian Motorcycle Council Chair Graham Solomon says this year is it is more important than ever to show support for the Salvos.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions still in place and Government support winding back, there are more families than ever doing it hard to put food on the table, let alone toys for the kids,” he says.
“It is vital for the motorcycle community to continue to support the Salvos in this worthy cause as they do each year.
“As restrictions ease, the Victorian Motorcycle Council encourages Victorian riders to enjoy a ride in small groups this Christmas ensuring they stay safe and obey the COVID-19 safety regulations.”
Major Mark Kop from the Salvation Army says the virtual toy run is another example of how we are “learning to do things in new ways”.
“The Salvation Army has found new ways of working that have been surprising to us and incredibly effective as well,” he says.
“The Victorian Motorcycle Council has shown leadership and swung into action through their online approach.
“We know that thousands of families are going to experience the Christmas they would never have expected.
“Given all the pressures of 2020 we will be able, together, to bring joy, hope and Christmas cheer to those who need it most”.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne-based Toy Run for Father Bob is expected to go ahead on Sunday, December 6, at this stage.
However, it will be a scaled-down event with a new location at Father Bob’s foundation warehouse, 204 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne from 11am-1pm.
In NSW, the 43rd Newcastle Toy Run will collect gifts, but the ride is off.
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.
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