Bloemfontein Toy Run 2010

Last weekend Grant and I rode to Bloemfontein to take part in the National Toy Run. I was there with my camera and below is the article I sent to the bike magazine for publication. I added the photos after the article.

Bloemfontein Toy Run 2010
By Jo Hedges
Word count 474

More than 1500 bikers hit the streets of Bloemfontein this past weekend as part of the annual Toy Run in aid of charity. Motorcyclists gathered at Northridge Mall on Sunday 28 November, 2010,  to collect toys, food, clothes and toiletries that will be distributed to needy families, retirement homes and orphanages throughout the Free State. Thousands of spectators gathered to admire the variety of motorcycles, all “decorated” with toys. The bikers also took part in a mass-procession, a 17km ride through Bloemfontein, creating awareness for this worthy cause.

Many businesses were represented at the Bloemfontein Toy Run. Heinrich, debonair owner of Speed World, Bloemfontein and Welkom looked real cool in his dad’s lederhosen. Good on you, Hein! Reg Walkerly and his wife Leonie - who owns Ratwear leather clothing - were there supporting the cause. Nicky Hiles, owner of Inzinbi Plant Hire, Welkom, had a huge teddy on his Harley handlebars belying the tough exterior of this iconic businessman and biker.

George, who’s a biker for Christ, (Riding for Revival MCC) had a toy pinned to his lapel. Beautiful couple, Aniel and Wayne from Koeberg MCC, never miss a Toy Run or an issue of Bike SA.

It was indeed a fun-filled day with clothing and food stalls and various lucky draws. The live band, Borderline produced tunes from the sixties onwards and added to the festive air. Among the prizes for the man with the longest beard, or the lady who reached the stage first carrying her husband and many others, the prize for the bike displaying the most toys (265) was Ou Ryperd. This Honda 750K has belonged to Andre and Wanda Pretorius for the past 31 years. The Pretorius couple not only head up the Toy Run Organization Free State (TROFS) committee, but spend a great deal of the year helping communities in need.

According to Wanda R68, 000 was collected at this year’s event. TROFS also received R5000 worth of tinned food as well as R3000 frozen and fresh vegetables to distribute to needy families.  The toys collected filled a four-ton truck! Toy Run collected “Happy Packets” for this year's festive season in the form of hampers, which include toys, basic cosmetic and health products and food to help ease the strain on these families.

“Toy Run is a registered charity organisation that works throughout the year to help needy shelters, orphanages, homes, hospitals and charities within the specific community”, says Wanda.

The Toy Run is the perfect opportunity for the motorcycling community to show its care and empathy to those in need. Toy Run started up in 1997, but was only officially registered as TROFS in 2003. At the same time it became affiliated to the National Toy Run Forum and continues to grow with unprecedented success.

Well done, Bloemfontein!

Bloemfontein Toy Run 2010

This 31 year-old motorcycle, called Ou Ryperd (Old Horse), displayed the most toys : 265!

Beautiful couple Aniel and Wayne from Koeberg MCC never miss a Toy Run

People didn't mind acting the clown for a good cause!

Heinrich, owner of Speed World Bloemfontein, sports his dad's lederhosen

Live band, Borderline played music from the sixties

Golden couple Reg and Leonie Walkerly of Bloemfontein

Intrepid businessman from Welkom, Nicky Hiles  on his Harley

No caption needed

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