The thunderous roar of motorcycles will be heard 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, who is a Northmead resident, the run is facing one of its most challenging years as the trust’s reserve funds, which are used to pay service providers, has been depleted.
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This is due to the event not being able to be presented in its usual format due to the inception of the strict Covid-19 regulations in 2020.
“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,” Beart explained.
“This is not the case this year 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 in various forms, apart from toys, to ensure the Toy Run can continue beyond four decades.
“All toy donations are strictly distributed by our NPO partners, including the Round Table, Lions Clubs, Rotaract and Rotary, across the province,” said Beart.
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 these will have a huge impact on each and every child that receives one,” Beart said.
“We pride ourselves on always presenting a fun-filled day and invite all riders and the public 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.
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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 Beart.
“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 more.
Non-riding attendees are welcome to donate toys or make a minimum cash donation.
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 visit www.toyrun.org.za or follow them on Facebook at Toy Run Gauteng.
