Bikers win hearts with Toy Run drop-off
Cape Town-141130-Bikers donate toys to charity in the annual Toy Run. Picture Jeffrey Abrahams Cape Town-141130-Bikers donate toys to charity in the annual Toy Run. Picture Jeffrey Abrahams
Warren Fortune
THOUSANDS of motorcyclists travelled through the city yesterday bearing a collection of toys and teddies sure to delight many of the province’s underprivileged children over the festive season.
It was all part of the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club of Cape Town’s annual Charity Toy Run Trust event. A motorcycle charity ride, it not only distributes toys to various homes, organisations and charities, but also aims to improve the image of bikers.
“We just want to bring a little Christmas joy to children in need all round the Western Cape,” said Mike Clark, of the Cape Town Charity Toy Run.
“The toys that we collect today will go deep into various places in the Western Cape to homes and hospitals where children need some cheering up.”
About 30 000 toys were expected to be donated yesterday, with 15 000 to 16 000 motorcyclists from hundreds of clubs and organisations involved in the collection and drop-off at William Herbert Sports Ground in Wynberg.
“The demand for toys grows every year and that is why an event like this was not only open to all the bikers, but also to the general public, who wanted to come to the ground and drop off some toys,” said Clark.
“In the next two weeks, homes and orphanages around the province will benefit from the generous donations made from all those involved.”
DA councillor Montgomery Oliver, who donated R5 000 of his own money, said the event has helped changed perceptions about bikers, including his own.
“Bikers often get a bad rap, but this event shows that one should never judge a book by its cover.
“We can see the lovely turnout and the good work bikers are doing here today. The city will be continuing its involvement in this great event,” Oliver said.
The Toy Run is the largest motorcycling-related charity event in southern Africa.