As Christmas approaches the roar of motorcycle engines will once again echo across the Bundaberg Region as the annual Salvation Army Motorcycle Toy Run marks 30 years of supporting the local community.
The cherished community event not only brings together motorcycle enthusiasts but also spreads joy and hope to local families in need.
Salvation Army Motorcycle Toy Run organiser John “Smithy” Smith shares details below of annual heart-warming initiative.
What inspired you to organise this event to support local families during Christmas?
My first connection with this event started way back in 1994 with my friendship with the late Mr Don Cook.
Don and I had a special relationship which spanned over 25 years.
Don approached me regarding how we could get more community support for the annual Christmas donations that the Salvation Army handed out to families in need.
We came up with an idea to have a Salvation Army Motorcycle Toy Run to collect toys for needy families in our community.
This year this annual event is now in its 30th year and it continues to grow each year with over 200 biker riders attending and supporting the Salvation Army of Bundaberg.
With Don’s passing my co-coordinator with the Salvation Army now is Major Chris Millard whom I have worked alongside for several years, continuing this annual event successfully.
I am very proud to be associated with the Salvation Army Motorcycle Toy Run and all that it contributes to the community.
How has this event helped the community in previous years?
All families have the right to happiness at Christmas time, it is a special time of year for all.
Nothing gives me more happiness to know that we can put a smile on the kids’ faces on Christmas morning with some new toys and food on the table for all to enjoy.
Starting out in 1994 there were approximately 60 riders who would participate on the ride.
Last year’s ride we had 240 riders participate. Some of these riders have been attending this annual ride for over 20 years.
All riders donate toys, some even make cash donations to the Salvation Army.
These cash donations are used for purchasing food items to place into the food hampers that the Salvation Army prepare for families.
Food hampers and toys are distributed by the Salvation Army to those families in need.
How can the community get involved?
Many weeks of preparation goes into placing together hampers and toys ensuring that they reach the families in our community.
The Salvation Army team have a lot of workers who give their time happily to support this event.
The feedback from Major Chris Millard of the Salvation Army has always been of great appreciation, as without this help each December many families would go without.
Thousands of families are helped throughout the year and December is possibly one of the busiest times of the year.
The festive season is always a huge time for the Salvation Army and this year will be no different.
Many local businesses have supported the Salvation Army Motorcycle Toy Run each year by donating voucher prizes for the riders.
Their support has been amazing over the years and will continue into the future.
We would like to extend a welcome to any new riders that would like to attend this year’s toy run and would like to thank all of those who have already made donations for this event.
Anyone wishing to donate prior to the event can drop off to Smithy at Smithy’s Just Cruisin’ Autos, 34 George Street Bundaberg, all toys and items will be passed over to the Salvation Army team for the ride day.
Salvation Army Motorcycle Toy Run details
Riders to meet at the Basin in Bargara at 8 am Saturday 7 December.
The riders will depart Bargara at 9 am riding along Bargara Road to Kendall Flat to regroup, any riders can join in at this stage if unable to make the earlier start.
Departing Kendall Flat at 9.30 am then travelling through the Bundaberg CBD and out onto the Ring Road and Isis highway before turning onto McCarthys Road.
Riders will than proceed to the Salvation Army Church to donate the toys and share in a sausage sizzle and drink provided by the Salvation Army.
We extend a warm welcome to any new riders who would like to join with us this year.
It doesn’t matter what type or make of motorcycle you ride, as long as it is registered and you are a licensed rider you are welcome to participate.
Any enquiries about the ride can be made by contacting Smithy on 4151 0542 or 0407 628 036.
