Bikers gear up for annual toy run

Hundreds of bikers from as far away as the West Coast and as close as Richmond came bearing gifts to help children who would otherwise face Christmas without presents.

The annual Ulysses Club Toy Run took place on Saturday, with about 400 riders making the trip from Richmond to Nelson's Trafalgar Park. Some dressed as Santa, others tinselled their Harley Davidsons, but they were all there for the same reason.

"It's just such a great day and a great cause. It's great fun, but at the end of the day it's all about the kids," said Harry Hansen from Stoke.

Hundreds of presents, from furry bears to Barbie dolls, were donated to the Salvation Army to help with their Christmas appeal.

Major Jill Knight said it was wonderful to see the bikes coming in the park.

"Sometimes bikers get some bad publicity, but these ones here have a great heart. They all get together and it just becomes a huge big family atmosphere."

Ulysses Club co-ordinator Lorraine Lindsay said there were riders from the Westland chapter of the club, as well as from Wellington and Blenheim. "It certainly brings everyone out of the woodwork."

She said it was a great way of getting the riders together for something worthwhile. "Everyone enjoys it and it's just brilliant dropping off all the toys. You get the sense that the small tokens are going to make a difference."

The appeal continues until Christmas. Toys can be dropped off at the Salvation Army or Nelson Mail.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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Fran   #1   03:52 pm Dec 08 2009

As well as lots of non-Harleys and quite a few bikers who have nothing to do with Ulysses but agree with the aim of the run.

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