BIG boys with their motorised “toys” will head out across the district tomorrow accepting toys to bring Christmas joy to needy children and their families.
Cash is also being accepted to help finance Christmas hampers and to help defray the cost of a free Christmas Day lunch.
The second annual Gannawarra Memorial Toy Run is set to build on the success of the inaugural event last year.
Around 150 motorcyclists are expected to join the run, up from 94 last year.
They will be joined by about 30 people on dirt bikes and about 30 classic cars.
Residents and visitors will be able to make donations at Kerang, Barham, Koondrook, Leitchville and Cohuna.
Last year’s event raised $5000 in cash donations and from toy run entry fees.
The run is being organised by the Anglican and Uniting Churches and the Lighthouse Group with support from service clubs and businesses.
Anglican priest Fr Simon Robinson said that 113 Christmas hampers were distributed last year, some with toys included, toys were distributed to 67 district families last year and $1000 was given to St John’s Anglican Church for the Christmas lunch, which involves volunteer supporters from all local churches.
“Hampers are also delivered throughout the year to people in need, the sick, bereaved, accident victims etcetera,” he said.
Fr Robinson will be leading the pack on his Victory Judge road bike.
Cohuna organiser John Webb has his Dick Johnson-inspired green 1983 Ford Falcon XE – and a toy version of Dick Johnson’s racing car.
The car drivers will include Gunbower in their run and the dirt bikes will head from Koondrook to Cohuna via the forest tracks.
Where you can donate and see the toy run convoy:
KERANG: 7.30am registration and breakfast Victoria Street shopping centre, departing 9am.
KOONDROOK: Morning tea at Long Paddock, Main Street, departing 11am.
BARHAM: Morning tea at Barham Bakery, Mellool Street, departing 11am.
LEITCHVILLE: Fire station, Railway Avenue, departing 12.15pm.
COHUNA: Lunch and car and bike show in Garden Park, King George Street.
* Toys and donations can be left at any of these venues or left at Cohuna Neighbourhood House. Used toys cannot be accepted.
