Hundreds of motorcyclists from across the region have come together to ensure that no child in Ballarat will go without a present under the tree this Christmas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
3BA’s annual Motorcycle Toy Run charity event took place on Saturday, bringing with it lots of colour, cheer and Christmas spirit.
Sharryn Nankervis from Ulysses Club Inc. has been organising the event for the past six years and was thrilled with the morning turnout.
“It’s terrific,” she said.
“We’ve got about 375 to 400 people here. It’s fantastic to see so many people donating.”
The event, which has been running for over 40 years, collects toy donations to go towards the less fortunate throughout Ballarat.
Ms Nankervis believes the event is vitally important around the holiday time.
“It's a very worthwhile charity event every year and we like to help so all children can get a gift.
“A lot of children in Ballarat will go without a gift this year, so this is a way where we can lend a helping hand to the families struggling.”
These sentiments were echoed by fellow Ulysses member and Military Brotherhood military motorcycle club member Tom ‘Stumpy’ Nunn.
“I love it, any excuse for a ride is a good one, so when you combine that with helping the community, I’m all for it,” he said.
At 10am the convoy took off, passing throughout Ballarat, waving and honking their horns as they passed by the public.
Many of the riders like Adam Tamsitt brought some festive flair to the ride. Dressed up like Santa Claus and surrounded by his ‘elves’, Mr Tamsitt is always ecstatic when the toy run comes along each December.
“I love it,” he said.
“Christmas is my favourite time of year so to be able to get out, dress up, go on a good ride with a bunch of your mates while knowing it’s all for a great cause is the best way to spend a Saturday.”
The convoy was backed up by CFA tankers from Napoleons/Enfield and Wendouree, which were also decked out with Christmas decorations and teddy bears.
Sean Cahir from the Napoleons/Enfield CFA said every year he is amazed by the amount of people who generously donate time and gifts for the cause.
After traveling through the city and around Lake Wendouree, the event came to a close with a sausage sizzle and more donations at Victoria Park.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
