The Johannesburg Toy Run committee’s target of 20 000 toys sets the wheels in motion for the 42 annual run in its new format.
Chairperson and the event coordinator, Pete Beart said the stringent and varying implementation of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010 (revised in 2017), by the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) and its Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), has forced the Gauteng Motorcycle Toy Run to forgo its traditional mass ride and gathering at Benoni Northerns Sports Club, at the end of November.
“For the first time in 13 years, the widely successful event will not see biking enthusiasts participating in a mass ride, which culminates in a festive gathering in the heart of Benoni,” said Pete.
“We were informed that in line with the act, a new comprehensive fire plan needs to be drafted by the council’s fire department, despite no revisions made in the past seven years.
“The new plan, once paid for, may see provision made for a fire engine, as well as a team to be on standby at a designated fire station for the duration of the event, should the need arise for its deployment.”
He described the cost as astronomical, stating the drafting and implementation of the plan is estimated at a minimum of R32 000 while the standby team and resources are more than R100 000.
“As an NPO, we cannot afford to pay these service fees and quite simply it is better spent on toys,” he said.
“We have requested a revision for our application by the relevant departments and local ward councillor, Lornette Joseph, has assisted. Unfortunately, no response has been received and alternative arrangements had to be made.”
Still severely disappointed that the customary mass ride from four central points will not see thousands of bikers riding in convoy with colourful toys strapped to their steeds, Pete expressed concern that this year’s event could signal the end of the Johannesburg run.
“It is a daunting prospect and we can only hope that devoted riders will support the month-long drive. With luck, we could host the traditional Toy Run again next year,” he said sullenly.
“We announce that 11 collection points have thus far confirmed their commitment with more expected to come on board soon.”
Drop-offs can be made from November 4 to 25. We encourage motorcycle clubs to arrange their own runs to any of the designated collection venues.
“We also invite schools, social clubs, service organisations, churches and members of the public to support our efforts,” said Pete.
“More than 300 volunteers will sort and bag all the donations which will be distributed to identified children’s homes by the various Round Table, Lions and Rotary clubs.”
Confirmed collection points are:
• Carnival City
• Benoni Northerns Sports Club
• Irene Village Mall
• Blockhouse North
• Reading Country Club
• Johannesburg Zoo
• Killarney Country Club
• Redemption Church, Greenstone
• Lewensentrum Alberton
• Rietvlei Farm
• Kwena Square
View the Toy Run Gauteng – Johannesburg Facebook page to see when more venues are added.
For more information, contact Pete on 063 689 3700 or email petebeart@gmail.com
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