A trio of Bundaberg locals are hoping to make Christmas a little more special for families in need as they organise the inaugural Bundaberg District Toy Ride.
Rod Heilbronn, Julie Holmes and Trish Knight have joined forces to help spread the joy of the festive season and they’re now looking for community support.
Long-time Bundaberg Region resident Rod said in the lead up to Christmas he often thought about local families doing it tough.
So he, Julie and Trish decided to do their part to help.
“We are going to kick off the toy ride at Burnett Heads at 8am with a sausage sizzle breakfast and raffles,” Rod said.
“We will ride out to Bargara and along the foreshore, before heading to Bundaberg, and then finishing at Lions Park in North Bundaberg, with more entertainment.”
Rod said those from as far as Maryborough had shown in interest in the first Bundaberg District Toy Ride and he was hoping more than 100 riders would strap a toy or two to their bike and take part in supporting the cause.
“There will be lots of prizes to give away, so a big thank you to the businesses that have donated either toys or raffle prizes for the ride,” he said.
“We are also organising pop up stalls at both Hinkler Central and Stockland beforehand to help raise money and bring in more donations.”
Local Domino’s franchisee Thomas Walker is proud to support the Bundaberg District Toy Ride, with staff from his store also participating in the event by riding along on Domino’s scooters.
Thomas is hoping to raise $1,000 in support of the local event by holding a “doughraiser” on Wednesday, 6 October, in which $1 from every pizza sold between 4pm and 9pm will go to the local initiative.
“Christmas should be a time of joy for everyone, but sadly, we know that’s not always the case which is why the work this event does to ensure local children have something special to open on Christmas day is so important,” Thomas said.
Bundaberg District Toy Ride 2021 will take place on Sunday, 28 November and Rod is encouraging riders to sign up early.
Rod said the toys, along with any money raised on the day, would be distributed to local organisations to support local families in need.
For more information phone Rod 0434 491 442 or join the Facebook group.
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