Bikers go full throttle for children’s charity

THOUSANDS of bikers gathered for the country’s biggest motorcycle charity event as the Cape Town Charity Toy Run Trust held its 35th annual Toy Run yesterday.

The event saw 5 500 bikers ride from Grand Parade in the City and GrandWest towards the Killarney racetrack to also celebrate the track’s 70th anniversary.

Chairperson of the Toy Run Glynis Coetzee said this had been the biggest crowd the Toy Run has seen to date.

“There are an estimated 20 000 toys that have been collected for needy children across the country,” she said.

“The twin objectives of the Toy Run have always been to improve and enhance the image of motorcyclists in their communities, and most importantly, to collect and distribute toys and gifts to economically challenged children up to 18 years old.

“These children are often in very difficult circumstances, in homes, orphanages, places of safety and in impoverished and vulnerable communities, where a simple toy or gift is seen as a luxury,” she said.

Licensed motorcycle riders departed on their motorcycles to where they dropped off toys in the donation area at Killarney.

After the run ended, the public and motorcyclists alike enjoyed motorcycle displays, food, clothing, jewellery and paraphernalia stalls, and other entertainment.

Coetzee said the organisers wanted to give a special thanks to the City of Cape Town, city councillor JP Smith and the public “for making the event possible”.

The next Toy Run is expected to take place on November 18 next year.

PICTURE: JASON BOUD/ANA REVVED UP: The Cape Town Toy Run started from Grand Parade and ended at Killarney Raceway, where thousands of toys were delivered. Many were strapped to bikes and paraded en route.