By MELISSA MEEHAN
THEY’RE often linked to their not so charitable counterparts, but motorcycle riders will begin their annual MRA Melbourne Toy Run from Gembrook this year.
Organiser Michael Harvey said that the Toy Run began in 1978 when 40 riders donated toys to the Salvation Army after a short ride from Albert Park.
This year the ride will start on Sunday 21 December at 8am.
“Within a few years, toy runs were being held by motorcyclists all over Australia and the world,” he said.
“The official MRA Melbourne Toyrun for the Salvation Army is being continued by volunteers with the support of the Victorian Motorcycle Council and is now known simply as the “Melbourne Toyrun“with starting points all over Melbourne.
Riders will travel from Gembrook, through the Dandenongs, past Lilydale and onto Calder Park Raceway.
“It’s free to take part in, and we would love all those involved to give generously to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.”
Mr Harvey said that the ride was a way to show that not all motorcyclists were the rough and tumble types, and gave them an opportunity to give back to the community.
