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.

Motorbike Writer lists as many toy runs as we can each year. (Click here to remind us next year when you organise your toy run so we can add it to the list.)

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

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.

(Click here to read how VicPol views Santa hats on helmets.)

“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.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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.

We have listed the remainder below.

If your toy run is not included, click here to send details to us via email and we will add it to the list.

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.

Wollongong Santa Ride for Charity: City Coast MC & Litas toy run starts at 9am at the North Wollongong Hotel, Schilles Ave. Registration is $10 and goes to the Salvos. This mixed social ride supports the famous Santa Claus Pub Crawl for Charity 2018 – 25th Anniversary Year.

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 Cinemas  Belmont 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.

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Source: MotorbikeWriter.com