Bronz toy run keeps onlookers guessing
AS the distant roar drew nearer, unsuspecting George St shoppers and retailers looked skyward, wondering if it was a jet plane, thunder, or perhaps a volcanic eruption.
The answer became apparent a few minutes later when about 250 motorcycles drove past, headed to Dunedin’s Octagon for the annual Bike Riders of New Zealand (Bronz) toy run.
They came from as far away as Invercargill and Central Otago, and included everything from Japanese road bikes and scooters, to the latest BMWs and HarleyDavidsons.
The colourful event is run in conjunction with the Balmacewen Lions Club.
Club project coordinator Brian Rodger said this was the 40th year the event had been held.
‘‘The Bronz people have an annual day where they all bring along a toy or a nonperishable item of food.
‘‘We collect it all and take it to a central depot, where we sort it and give it to community organisations, which distribute it to disadvantaged people.’’
Mr Rodger said some ‘‘really amazing’’ items had been given in the past, donations filling several small truckandtrailers.
‘‘Last year we got a teddy bear that was bigger than you or I — it took up the whole back seat just about.
‘‘We raffled him off and gave the money to one of the organisations.’’
He estimated up to 600 items were donated this year.
‘‘There’s all sorts of electronic toys, soft toys, games — a crosssection of everything. People are very generous.’’