The spirit of unity, compassion, and community service was proudly displayed as thousands of bikers recently gathered for the annual Pretoria Bikers Council Toy Run at Kolonnade Retail Park.

This event has become a cornerstone of charity and goodwill in the metro for more than two decades.

Now in its 26th year, the Toy Run continues to reflect the unwavering love, honour and respect that define the Pretoria biker community.

What began decades ago is no longer just an event; it has become a tradition rooted in years of dedication and a shared desire to uplift those in need.

According to Pretoria Bikers Council Chairperson Jacque Tesselaar, the Toy Run is not a spontaneous initiative, but an ongoing commitment nurtured over many years.

“The annual Toy Run is not a spur-of-the-moment decision or an inspiration, but rather a result of years of dedication, respect, and love that the bikers demonstrate to make a positive impact on the community and organisations,” he said.

This year marked a remarkable increase in participation. Following the decline in turnout and donations seen during the COVID-19 years, this year has shown a resurgence in support.

Numbers grew from around 1 200 participants in previous years to almost 5 000 bikers, making it one of the largest gatherings since the pandemic.

“In 2025, there were definitely more individuals and donations compared to 2024. Every year, we strive for an increase in the number of people and donations,” Tesselaar said.

The generosity of the biking community was evident in the wide range of donations collected.

Tesselaar said new toys, toiletries, stationery, clothes and non-perishable food items were brought in abundance.

Organisations and biker groups apply in advance to receive donations, and in keeping with tradition, the items were handed over on the same day to ensure timely distribution.

“We try to donate to everyone who has applied every year. We hope for enough donations that we don’t have to turn anyone away,” added Tesselaar.

A major contributor to the success of this year’s event was the strong network of sponsors, partners and service providers who worked hand in hand with the Pretoria Bikers Council.

The 2025 sponsors included Lavender Kontrei Mark, Bakwena, Hi5 Stereo, Radio Hartklanke, 4 Dual Adventure, and various motorcycle clubs under the council.

Their support, according to Tesselaar, ensured that logistics, safety and event co-ordination ran seamlessly.

He said beyond giving, the Toy Run also challenges long-standing misconceptions about bikers.

“Instead of the stereotypical gang image often portrayed by society, these bikers reveal a different reality, one of family, compassion and community service.

“We are working to change the image of bikers to ‘bikers in the community for the community’. Bikers understand that the concept of love, honour, respect and giving plays a big role in our daily lives.”

This year’s Toy Run was also graced by the presence of pageant ambassadors who added joy and warmth to the festivities.

Miss Junior South Africa, Nikita Lincoln, and Africa Pageants Queen, Linah Ramalepe, spent the day interacting with crowds, bringing smiles to families and children.

Their humility and grace left a lasting impression.

“You are amazing, beautifully, and humbly. You interacted with the crowds. You are true hearts who deserve the crowns you wear,” said Chris Batts of Radio H5, who was part of the organising team.

The Pretoria Bikers Council aims to broaden the Toy Run’s impact. Plans include expanding donation categories, increasing community participation beyond the biker community, and ensuring that children and families receive not just toys, but essential items that improve daily living.

“We want the broader community to be part of it, even if they are not bikers,” explained Tesselaar.

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