Motorcyclists from across the Bega Valley have united to bring smiles to the faces of local children this Christmas.
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A toy run organised by the Sapphire Coast branch of the Ulysses Club on Saturday collected over 70 presents as its participants drove across the Valley.
“We wanted to put a bit of joy in Christmas,” local branch president Bruce Bearman said.
“If we can help the Salvation Army out, it makes their job a little bit easier if groups like us get behind them.
“Charity belongs in the Valley.”
About 40 motorcyclists joined the ride, independents as well as coming from other groups including the Bike Riding Enthusiasts of Wolumla (BREW) and the Cancer Research Advocate Bikers from Bermagui.
If we can help the Salvation Army out, it makes their job a little bit easier if groups like us get behind them.
- Bruce Bearman
One group started the ride in Bermagui and another started in Pambula, before meeting in Tathra then continuing on to Bega together.
Mr Bearman described the event as “very successful”.
“The toys were all very good, all top quality,” he said.
“There was quite a large selection for both girls and boys, and from young to older children.”
The gifts have been donated to the Salvation Army in Bega in conjunction with the Bega District News fifth annual Christmas Toy Appeal.
BREW also donated $250 to the Salvation Army in addition to the toys that were collected. According to Mr Bearman, motorcyclists have been part of a toy run in the Bega Valley for at least 15 years.
“They’ve all had their ups and downs, good ones and and bad ones, but we were pretty lucky this time, the weather was good,” he said.
“Motorcyclists get a bad name at times, as they’re blamed for accidents.
“Part of the reason for [the toy run] in years gone by was to put motorcyclists in a better light. You’ve got bikies, you’ve got bikers and you’ve got motorcyclists. We’re motorcyclists.”
Until December 17, new and unwrapped toys and gifts suitable for boys and girls, tots to teenagers, can be left at both the BDN office in the Sapphire Marketplace and the Merimbula News Weekly office on Monaro St. Donations will go to local branches of Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Mackillop Family Services for distribution to their clients in time for Christmas morning.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
