Motorbike convoy delivers hundreds of Christmas toys for kids in need

HUNDREDS of Christmas gifts will be distributed to sick and disadvantaged children across the region after the annual North Coast Road Riders motorcycle toy run.

About 220 motorbike riders converged at Ballina with the event in support of the Our Kids charity.

The toys will be shared with Lismore Base Hospital’s children’s ward and local children’s organisations that care for kids living with special needs.

“It’s such a special day, no one was in a hurry to leave after we finished and it brings so much joy to the community,” event organiser Jillian Challinor said.

“We had even more people involved this year and it would have to be our biggest event that I can remember from the last six years.”

“We ride as a group, and you get a mix of younger and older people on bikes.”

There was plenty of fancy dress with the riders and bikes decorated in Christmas colours.

Other beneficiaries this year include the Cerebral Palsy Alliance at Alstonville, along with special needs and early intervention units at Casino and Lismore.

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise were also involved and will use some of the funds for its programs.

“The money stays local and there was a van full of toys that will put smiles on faces,” Challinor said.

“It really highlights the spirit of community and what can be achieved when everyone bands together.”

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said it is one of her favourite events of the year.

“(It’s) such a beautiful way community can brighten up the children who are in hospital over the Christmas summer season,” she said.