Toy run rolls through town

ENGINES revved across the region over the weekend with this year’s toy run led by members of Ballarat Bike Night.

The ride took place on Saturday morning with the contingent breaking off into four groups each headed for towns in the north, south, east and west to collect toys and donations for Christmas.

The funds raised from the run are set to go towards the Ballarat Foundation while the toys will be given to the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, or BADAC.

With many participants dressing up their vehicles and themselves in seasonal wear, the teams regrouped for a ride down Sturt Street before finishing on Scott Parade.

Convenor, Casey Bandy, summarised the day as “epic.”

“It’s been an absolutely awesome day with awesome people showing up for a good cause. We’ve had an awesome reception everywhere we’ve been,” he said.

“Being able to help out BADAC with all the Indigenous families in the community who are doing it tough, it’s just amazing.

“If there’s any excess left over… we’re going to look at going to other community organisations about passing it onto them as well.”

Collections were made from as far as Bannockburn and Clunes to Ballan and Beaufort, with the group receiving more than $4000 worth of toys prior to the run.

Mr Bandy estimated the group took in more than $6000 worth of toys overall.

BADAC staff manned a barbecue for the returning riders, and Sue Clark, the organisation’s manager of children and youth services said it’s important to support families leading into Christmas.

“There are so many families out there that are struggling. People in lower socioeconomic situations don’t really have much to spend on the holidays,” she said.

“We know it’s pretty tough out there and we’re so pleased to help them out and be the beneficiary of what these guys are doing.”