HUNDREDS of jolly men and women in leather roared into Mount Gambier on tinsel-adorned motorcycles on Saturday for the annual Limestone Coast Toy Run.
More than 400 riders participated in this year’s fundraiser, collecting gifts and donations to be distributed to families in need this Christmas.
Riders rumbled all the way from Naracoorte and assembled at Vansittart Park for a barbecue lunch, giving locals an opportunity to view the motorcycles up close.
“We were really happy with the turnout, we had at least 416 riders this year,” event organiser Jeremy Young said.
“There was a lot of hard work ahead of the ride, we put up around 1000 posters across the South East and promoted the event to make sure we had as many people involved as possible.
“The convoy met in Naracoorte early on Saturday morning and we picked up riders in Millicent and Penola.”
Mr Young said donated gifts would be delivered by the organising committee to schools and youth organisations.
“I’m not sure about the exact number of donations, but they filled a van, a seven-seat four-wheel drive and a dual cab,” he said.
“Our conference room at work is overflowing with toys.
“They will be divided up and distributed to Baptist Care, Pangula Mannamurna and a number of schools.
“To give gifts to those in need at Christmas is an amazing initiative and I’m really proud of what we have achieved.”
Mr Young said a mid-year winter clothing drive was now being planned.
“We want to keep the momentum going and will organise a few events during the year,” he said.
