LETTER: Metro’s greed out-weigh the need of kids
The Toy Run has been derailed because the metro wanted to make money off a charity event.
Shirley Rattey, of Benoni, writes:
I am 66 years old and used to be a regular participant in the Toy Run.
In later years I would stand on the side of the road to watch the bikers make their way to the Benoni Northerns Sports Club.
The event is an institution of kind-minded individuals who support and encourage support for local vendors and small businesses.
Everyone is struggling to earn a little extra money yet you can rely on the CoE to come along and flatten all hopes.
Ekurhuleni Metro, you are a bunch of party poopers!
You should be ashamed of yourself for charging more than R100 000 for a charity event where underprivileged children are the sole beneficiaries.
And where would all this money go that you intended to charge to the organisers of the event?
To all the bikers who support the run, the organisers and members of the community, I am so sorry that it has been derailed because of money-hungry politicians.
Please put on your thinking caps and come up with your original ideas to still support the Toy Run whilst showing the metro a finger or two.
What our Facebook readers say (story: Toy Run forced to put the brakes on thanks to council)
Graham Johns: Once again some politician decided to milk a cash cow under the guise of regulations what a crock. It’s just money grabbing plain and simple. I hope their plan B proves even more fruitful. Best wishes to the organisers
Natalie van Eeden: Oh no. It always felt like the start of the festive season for me when we got to watch the bikes and donate some toys. This is so sad.
Gavin Forman: I could swear, but I won’t. The council will do anything to prevent a successful event from taking place in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. I understand the requirement in the event if an emergency, but they are ridiculous with their fees. Someone wants to make money out of this. I’ve attended a few Toy Runs and the atmosphere was electric. Well done to Ekurhuleni for destroying the hopes, dreams and excitement of children receiving the gifts at Christmas time. Ekurhuleni is only happy to host failed events.
Shellene Marshall: Benoni has fire engines? I don’t think so. Probably another corrupt money-making scheme to line the pockets of some private individuals, who now own fire trucks!
Kathlene Eichorn: Why? This was the last good thing happening for the kids and now it’s stopped. This is heartbreaking. Can’t the council please reconsider this decision?
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