Ensuring Christmas continues to be the happiest time of the year has been a driving force for John “Smithy” Smith who this year marks 27 years of organising the annual Salvation Army Toy Run.
On Saturday, 4 December the annual toy run will begin in Bargara, travelling through town and finishing at the Salvation Army Hall where people can join in for a sausage sizzle.
Smithy said getting involved was very simple and all you needed was a registered motorbike, licence and a toy.
“On the day all you have to do is have a registered motorcycle, a licence to ride it and a toy and you are very welcome to join in,” he said.
“We usually get up to 200 bikes and we leave from Bargara at the Basin every year, but this year we are going on a different route, so you have to be there to know where we are going.
“The more riders we have the more toys we will have, so all I ask for is for the riders to come along and bring a toy for the children.”
For those who have other family members who wish to take part but do not have a bike, Smithy said everyone was welcome to meet the riders at the Salvation Army on McCarthy Road.
Captain Chris Millard from Salvation Army said it was great to see the community come together for a worthy cause as well as the continued partnerships with other businesses in town.
“We are excited this year as it is 27 years where we have not only been doing the toy run, but we have partnered with local businesses in town to continue to try and make the best impact we can,” Chris said.
“What we love is that this has become a big part of many people’s lives every year and there are many others who have also been part of this ride for a number of years along with Smithy.”
You can drop toys off for the Salvation Army toy run to Just Cruisin' Autos at 34 George Street prior to the event.
Drop off points throughout the day include:
- 8:00am – The Basin Bargara
- 9:30am – Kendall Flat
For more information about the toy drive phone John ‘Smithy’ Smith on 4151 0542 or 0407 628 036.
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Do you want toy donations wrapped or left open so you can see what it is?