By XAVIER SMERDON
HUNDREDS of motorcycle riders will descend upon Werribee and Melton for a good cause this weekend as part of the annual Melbourne Toyrun.
The event will see riders travel through Werribee under police escort on their way to Calder Park Raceway on Sunday.
Evan Cassidy from the Salvation Army, the organisation that will benefit from the day, said the event had a proud 34 year history in Melbourne.
Mr Cassidy said this year organisers were encouraging participants to bring along gift cards instead of the traditional stuffed toy.
“We’re asking people to move away from the stuffed toys because children who are 12 and 13-years-old don’t really want a stuffed toy,” Mr Cassidy said.
While the event is seen as one of the major outings for motorbike enthusiasts, Mr Cassidy said it was open to scooter riders too.
“There is such a wide range of people and bikes there. That’s what makes it such a unique event,” he said.
“It’s open to anyone and I guess that’s what has made it such a success.
“It’s a really good spirited event and people thinking for people thinking of buying a bike it’s a good opportunity to see a whole lot of bikes at once.”
All of the toys, food and gift cards that are donated by the riders will be collected by the Salvation Army and distributed to other charities to benefit under privileged children who would otherwise miss out on receiving a gift from Santa.
Riders will depart from Melton, Werribee, Cranbourne, Eltham, Epping, Ferntree Gully and Lillydale and the Yarra Valley.
For more information visit www.toyrun.org.au
