Toy Run returns to spread joy
The riders are getting revved up, the bike decorations are being prepared and the toys are being wrapped for the Ulysses Club Toy Run.
More than 200 motorbike riders are expected to take part in the 39th annual toy run on Saturday, November 16.
The riders will gather at the A & P Showgrounds in Richmond at 10am for an 11am departure on a route that will take them through Queen St, Salisbury Rd, Main Rd Stoke, Waimea Rd and Rutherford St, ending up at Trafalgar Park.
Toy run co-ordinator Lorraine Lindsay got into the colourful spirit of the event last year.
The toys and games brought by the participants and collected along the route will be distributed by the Salvation Army to families in need.
Ulysses Club Nelson branch spokesperson Allan Smith said the toy run in Nelson began in 1985 under the Bronz organisation, with the Nelson branch of the national Ulysses motorcycle club taking it over in 1997.
Smith moved to Nelson that year, took part in the first Ulysses event and has ridden his trusty Yamaha XJR 1300 in the convoy ever since.
He said the event was open to all motorcycle riders. This year Nelson mayor Nick Smith, who has just passed his restricted motorcycle licence, would be taking part as well as Santa on his own Christmas-themed bike.
Allan Smith encouraged the public to turn out and watch.
“We really enjoy having people out on the streets, especially the children,” he said.
A Salvation Army van will accompany the parade to collect toys along the way. People are asked to avoid donating soft toys.
Smith said there would be prizes for the best-decorated bikes which would be on display before and after the ride. At Trafalgar Park, there would also be a sausage sizzle and a raffle which last year raised $1300 for the Salvation Army.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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