Many Australian toy runs were either cancelled, scaled ack or held virtually last year due to the pandemic restrictions.
The oldest, longest continually running and perhaps the biggest toy run, Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run in Newcastle, was restricted to just 50 motorcycles.
This year the 44th running of the event is back to full capacity on Sunday December 5 and organisers say they are planning for their biggest toy run yet.
Thousands of motorbikes of all shapes and sizes, laden with gifts and all dressed up for Christmas, will hit the road from Stockton at 10am led by Santa’s Sleigh.
They will head to Wickham Park for a family day out with Santa, face painting, kids’ rides, market stalls, live bands, food trucks and more.
COVID-19 has made life difficult for many Australians, especially those already facing hardship or struggling to put food on the table.
Organisers say that’s why it’s important for riders and pillions to donate more toys and raise more funds for The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal than ever.
Every toy donated ends up under the Christmas tree of a less fortunate child or teenager who would otherwise go without on Christmas morning.
There will also be a $5 raffle for a chance to win a SYM Classic 200i scooter.
Click here to register free for your chance to win some great prizes and to help organisers manage attendance.
The COVID-safe event will follow all health advice to keep everyone safe.
Bikers for Kids was established in 1990 by long-time motorcycle enthusiast and community figure, Big John Young.
Big John has been awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2015 for his work with the community for children.
He has now passed the reins of the Newcastle Toy Run to his son Daryn Young who hopes to grow the run into something bigger and better each year.
Toy runs
Many other toy runs are gearing up across the country.
One of the first toy runs is the Toy Run for Father Bob in South Melbourne on 24 November. That is not to be confused with the Melbourne Toy Run which so far does not appear to have a confirmed date yet.
In fact, several of the usual toy runs are yet to confirm dates, so I suggest you continue to check the Facebook pages in your local area to see if the events are returning.
Here is what we know so far:
Despite some restrictions last year the 42nd Annual MRA Toy Run in Tasmania still had 500 bikes and they are expecting a whole lot more bikes in Hobart this year on December 4.
In Queensland where there have been few restrictions, it seems most rides are back.
The Sunshine Coast Ulysses Branch and Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run is on 14 November, the Brisbane Santa Ride is at New farm Park on December 5, the Ipswich Toy Run is on Sunday 12 December and the Towoomba Toy Run is on 19 December.
South Australia’s MRASA Toy Run is on 12 December in Adelaide.
The Bendigo Motorcycle Toy Run is on November 28.
If your local area has a toy run, please leave details in the comments section below.