More than 40 bikers from an array of groups joined forces to rattle tins and collect blankets across Merimbula, Pambula and Tathra before arriving for a final barbecue and coffee at Bega.

Organiser Glenn Cotter said the ride was a heart-warming experience.

“It’s just so humbling to see the support from the community,” Mr Cotter said.

“We had a setup at the Sapphire Marketplace the last five weeks and a lot of elderly people would come every week and donate, even though they couldn’t spare much.”

The bikes roared down Market St, Merimbula in perfect conditions to start the collection drive as locals and tourists dug deep.

The odd 50-dollar note was willingly shoved into charity tins by generous donors as contributions soared across the morning.

“We’re very fortunate that we have some great people with us today that won’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” Mr Cotter said.

“We certainly let towns know we were around and we had some wonderful donations.

“People are extremely generous and we find a lot of the time they don’t think about what’s happening, but if you jog their memory they put their hands straight in their pocket and it’s wonderful.”

Danni Koenigkamp from St Vincent de Paul said the money would go towards assisting the poor and needy in the Bega Valley.

“It will benefit our whole community,” she said.

Mr Cotter was hopeful this year’s drive would amount to about $1700.

“This is our third year with Vinnies and over the years the support from welfare has just been marvelous and that’s why we support our region,” Mr Cotter said.

He thanked all the community members and sponsors who supported this year’s donation drive.

“We can’t do it without them,” he said.

Tins will remain active for the Merimbula Jazz Festival next weekend before a final tally is calculated.