Bikers’ donations to fill the hearts of children

The Toy Run donations exceeded last year’s collections by 3 500.

November 28, 2023

Jani de beer 2 minutes read

Denise Erasmus of Pretoria with her donation.

Traffic came to a grinding halt as thousands of bikes made their way to the 41st annual Gauteng Toy Run, hosted at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club, for the 12th consecutive year, on November 26.

Huddling in the shade of trees, seeking shelter from the blazing sun as temperatures rose to the mid-30s, members of the community lined Hannekam Street as participants of the run made their way to the venue.

At 09:30 the thunderous roar of engines could be heard, signalling the arrival of bikers and their fluffy donations from Carnival City, Silver Star Casino, Blockhouse and Irene Village Mall.

Volunteering as a toy sorter is Tanya Whitebody (11).

Two-way radios crackled as chairperson of the trust and event organiser, Pete Beart of Northmead, announced all roads to be closed for traffic, temporarily only granting access to motorcycles.

Turning off Hospital Road, bikers waved at onlookers revving their engines, much to the delight of young onlookers.

Clutching a pink bunny as a donation, Layden Henning (7) tugged at his grandfather’s pants excitedly pointing to the bikes, naming the makes and models as they passed.

“Look, look!” he said smiling. “I want one just like that.”

Armed with green flags, members of the Round Table Golden East 181 as well as other volunteers directed participants to the designated parking area watching as toys of all shapes and sizes were untied from the handlebars.

The organisation along with the Lions Club are the beneficiaries of the event and will be distributing the estimated 14 500 collected toys to various charity organisations, throughout the province.

Riding on his custom-built tricycle are Johan Breet (back) and Wessie van der Westhuizen of Heidelberg.

“It was a great day and, as always, heart-warming seeing so many people not only supporting the cause but also spending the day with us,” said Beart.

“Support for the event is once again on the raise post-Covid and we are overjoyed that we exceeded last year’s collection of 11 000 toys. So many little ones will be blessed with a present this year and that is what it is all about.”

Beart took the opportunity to thank all the volunteers who worked tirelessly on the day as well as on the days leading up to the event.

Having fun in the sun with friends. Seen here are back Teresa and Ryk Nel, Micheal Stander and Louis Fernhout and Fanie van Dyk. Front: Denise Preston.

He further extended his gratitude to local security companies as well as the Benoni CPF, the Gauteng Provincial Traffic Police and loyal sponsors for their assistance in ensuring that the run was a roaring success.

He confirmed that the event will once again be held in Benoni in 2024.

“I had to dash out to get some pain medication to silence the aches and pains following the event but once the sunburn has transformed into a glowing tan I will be start planning next year’s event,” he said with a chuckle.

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