Bikers hit the road for festive cheer
There are likely to be more than 200 motorcycles passing through the streets of Hastings, Clive and Napier on Sunday in convoy — and an equally impressive number of toys will be travelling with them.
Tomorrow is the 32nd annual Twin City Toy Run in support of Birthright HB Child and Family Care.
“It’s such a great event,” Birthright practice manager Sharon Allan said, adding the toy run and its support from riders across the region and several who arrived specially for it, was a major part of the organisation’s Christmas programme.
They deal with about 380 to 400 families and the run’s collection of presents and cash through badge sales is a major boost.
“We will have a gift for every child we deal with and we also make sure their siblings get something as well,” Allan said.
Every year the event has drawn an impressive array of motorcycles, of all makes and size, as well as a large amount of toys — which end up filling dozens of large collection boxes.
The toy run starts at about 11am from Plunket St in Stortford Lodge. The stream of bikes will pass through Hastings, Havelock North, Clive and Napier and arrive at Anderson Park in Greenmeadows about 11.45am. Many riders will adopt large fluffy toys as their pillions.
Bouncy castles, face painting and sausage sizzles will add a family Christmas touch to the day.
The toy run was started by Peter and Anne Hammond, of Taradale, and Richard and Jan Finnemore, of Hastings, in 1986. It has grown through the years to become a “must” on the fundraising ride list for many motorcyclists.