By Derek Schlennstedt
Thousands of motorcyclists will gear up for the annual Melbourne Toy Run motorbike ride on 10 December, delivering charity and Christmas presents for those who need them most over the festive season.
Last year the Melbourne Toy Run attracted more than 1000 bikers who began their journey from Victoria Park, Abbotsford, in a loop that also took in a long part of the Eastern Freeway, Yarra Boulevard and Johnston Street.
This year, motorcyclists from the Yarra Valley can begin their journey from Healesville and ride as a group to the special event at 1-11 Wharf Road, Port Melbourne.
Heather Ellis, motorcyclist from Healesville and co-organiser of the Toy Run said that last year the run raised over $15,000 in donations along with plenty of toys and food for those in need.
“Donations of new non-fluffy toys, new clothes and clean blankets will help – so will non-perishable food including tins with ring pulls, long life milk and toiletries and new towels,” Ms Ellis said.
“We’ve been doing it now since 2013 – it’s organised by the independent riders group that represents riders who aren’t in a motorcycle club,” she said.
Heather said that every years the run got “bigger and bigger” and invited all riders to come along.
“The great thing about it is you get all sorts of people on scooters, trikes, sport bikes, everything and they’re all riding to donate items.”
At the event location prizes will be awarded on the day for best decorated motorcycle, sidecar, scooter and trike as well as best dressed male and female riders.
There will also be live music, motorcycle merchandise giveaways and food stalls at the venue.
Riders will depart from Healesville at 9am for the Toy Run venue at 1-11 Wharf Road, Port Melbourne with the event running from 11am to 2pm.
