Christmas is about many things, including the gift of giving, and that is exactly what the Bikers Rights Organisation of New Zealand (Bronz) Timaru Toy Run hopes to do too.
For the annual toy run, now in its 36th year, people donate toys at drop-off points all around the region to give to those who need the extra help this Christmas.
Bronz Timaru president Les Sinclair said about 30 to 40 riders would usually show up on the day. People did not have to be a member of the club to join the ride, but should bring a cash or toy donation.
‘‘What we do is for charity, it is what we are about. We partake in other charity rides, not just our own.’’
He had been with the club for the past five years and said large boxes for donations were put in six places, but some ended up needing extra boxes because of the number of donations.
‘‘During Covid-19 donations were a bit lighter, numbers of donations were down in country towns.’’
Mr Sinclair said the Salvation Army appreciated what Bronz did, and had said more working people were using its services because of the rising costs of living.
‘‘This toy drive will help take some stress and load off of these people’s shoulders.’’
Mr Sinclair said that any toy donation was welcomed but if possible not to buy soft toys.
‘‘We just end up with too many soft toys and we already have some people who make their own soft toys specifically for the toy drive.’’
He also said they also preferred toys that did not include batteries, because if people could not afford the toy, they might not be able to spare money for batteries.
‘‘I try to buy a toy that is educational, something they can do, like an activity toy.’’
The toy drive will leave from Ascot Sports House & Eatery car park in Washdyke at 10am on Sunday and people had until then to drop off their toy donations.
Drop-off points for toys include Timaru New World, Temuka New World, Parkside Food in Geraldine, Fairlie Heartlands Information Centre, the Pleasant Point Dairy and the Cave Store.
