The thunderous roar of more than 20 00 motorcycles may be accompanied by the chiming sounds of toys as riders prepare to take part in the 40th annual Toy Run Gauteng on November 27.
Toy Run 2022 is back in its original format at Benoni Northerns Sport Club for the 12th consecutive year and promises to be a family day filled with food, entertainment and feel-good fun.
This follows two years of being restricted to a drop-off event.
According to the chairperson of the trust and organiser of the event for the past 30 years, Pete Beart, the run is facing one of its most challenging years as the trust’s reserve funds, which are used to pay service providers of the day, has been depleted.
This is due to the event not being able to host its market since the inception of the strict Covid-19 regulations in 2020.
“All toy donations are strictly distributed by our NPO partners, including the Round Table, Lions Clubs, Rotaract and Rotary across the province,” said Pete.
“However all funds raised through the market and other sales on the day are put in our reserve in order to fund the next year’s event. This year this is not the case and we are relying heavily on donations in order to pay our service providers.”
He said that as always the objective of the event is to collect as many toys for less-fortunate children as possible, but that this year they are appealing to the community for donations which will ensure that the Toy Run can continue beyond four decades.
The Toy Run was founded in 1982 by the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC) and has collected close to 900 000 toys.
In 2015, more than 55 000 toys were donated making it a record collection.
“My involvement in the event is rather selfish as I thrive on the feeling of seeing all the toys piling up. Knowing it will have a huge impact on each and every child that receives one,” he said.
“We pride ourselves in always presenting a fun-filled day and invite all riders and members of the public to come to share it with us.”
This year riders who do not have a toy donation as an entrance fee will be required to pay R50 entry, which will be used to purchase toys.
Riders are not required to be affiliated with any clubs to join but are requested to meet at one of the four designated starting points in order to take part in the mass marshalled ride.
“The safety of our riders is of the utmost importance. It is advised to follow the designated routes,” said Pete.
“Families and friends of riders are urged to make their way directly to the venue in order for the mass rides to consist only of motorcycles.”
Members of the public are invited to witness the arrival of the riders from 09:45 and thereafter to enjoy the festivities, which will include live performances, talent shows and so much more.
“Non-riding attendees are welcome to donate toys or make a minimum cash donation,” he said.
Mass rides will leave the following locations at 09:00:
• Irene Village Mall
• The Blockhouse
• Carnival City
• Silverstar Casino
For more information or to make a donation to the running costs of the run visit www.toyrun.org.za or follow them on Facebook at Toy Run Gauteng.
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