Toy Run 2010 changes gear
What is probably the biggest motorcycle charity event in the world is taking place on 28 November 2010 and it is again shifting its focus from traditional soft toys to educational toys that will extend the longevity of the 'toy' and serve a better purpose to the thousands of children that benefit from the event each year.
The event has grown into an annual event that has people staring in wonder as rows and rows of powerful steel engines snake their way through the cities of South Africa with toys strapped to the handle bars.
Started in 1982, Toy Run has grown into an annual event that takes place in all the major cities across South Africa. "Year on year the event shows consistent growth and this year we are expecting an average of 45 000 bikers to participate in the Gauteng leg of Toy Run 2010 alone. MTN Expo Centre, Nasrec is graciously sponsoring their facilities for Toy Run 2010 to accommodate the mass of people in Gauteng. A score of cities across South Africa will be hosting Toy Run 2010 on 28 November. Visit www.toyrun.co.zaand click on your nearest city for details," says Graeme Cartwright, Toy Run 2010 end-venue organiser.
Giving something back
Toy Run is aimed at giving something back to destitute children ranging from babies through to young adolescents aged 18. "The biker fraternity is usually generalised as being big and scary men dressed in leather on a noisy motorbike. Toy Run effectively shatters the stereotypical perception by highlighting the big hearts behind the facade. They come from all walks of life across South Africa and donate in excess of 90 000 toys in one day. It is no small feat and there is no greater reward than to see the smile in the eyes of a child holding their very own gift, be it a cuddly toy, colouring-in set or tooth brush, for the first time," says Cartwright.
The toys received are sorted and dispatched to various charity organisations for distribution on the same day. "We have a host of volunteers that provide their services, currently Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, Round Table and Ladies Circle. Volunteers help with anything from sorting and packing the toys into appropriate age categories, through to street marshalling the biker procession through the highways and byways of the cities. Think Bike, an organisation that passionately canvasses for motorbike safety on the roads will also pledge their on-going support by aiding in street marshalling Toy Run 2010. It is quite a sight to behold and an incredibly fulfilling experience to be a part of."
Bigger and better
More than an estimated 65 000 motorcyclists turned out across South Africa in 2009 with toys of all shapes and sizes adorning their bikes, to make the holidays a little brighter for disadvantaged children of all races in orphanages, shelters, homes and hospitals throughout communities. "This year we are shifting the focus again to educational toys as it serves a better purpose to the older children as well as aiding their education," says Cartwright.
"We are hoping to make the 2010 rendition of Toy Run even bigger with each of the hosting cities making plans to include family focussed events in their line-up of entertainment. It is for a good Cause and we would like to invite as many people as we can to make the journey with us in order to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children across South Africa," concludes Cartwright.
For more information, please visit www.toyrun.co.za or join the Toy Run Facebook group to find out what is happening in your region. Gauteng with its seven start venues this year, has its own website www.toyrun.org.za for start times, venues and latest info on the main run.
