Kai and Koha event to help Twizel needy

Dozens of motorbikes will roll into Twizel next month as part of the first Twizel Community Kai and Koha run to support Heartland Services.

Tribal Nations Motorcycle Community, a patched non-gang group, has invited riders to join them as they ride around Twizel collecting food and gold coin donations on December 7.

‘‘It’s about riding the town, bringing the noise to town, and hopefully people will give generously,’’ Kevin Haskins, one of the event organisers, said.

‘‘From Tribal Nations alone we have 20 coming through from Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill and we’re hoping to encourage other local riders to join us.’’

Haskins said they would like to have at least 30 bikes join the ride, which will be followed by St John and hopefully led by the police, around Twizel.

People on push bikes and on foot are also expected to take part in the fundraiser.

‘‘We’re hoping to collect donations, as well as food. So the food will go to the foodbank for those most in need over Christmas and the rest will be divvied out among the community groups that need it most.’’

There are several other community events happening that day including the Twizel Christmas Market, the fire brigade’s Christmas celebrations and a Filipino community event, which Haskins hopes will attract more people into town who may want to donate.

The ride will culminate in a presentation of donations to Heartland Services at 3pm in the town centre, where the Twizel Christmas Market will be held.

The run will start at 10am outside the Musterers Cafe´. Registration is $10 which will be donated as well, and includes a free sausage lunch at the local marae.