Organisers of the Motorcycle Riders’ Association SA (MRASA) Toy Run have announced that this Sunday’s Toy Run (10 December) will be scaled back due to the predicted wet weather.
The traditional ride from Victoria Park to Callington Oval in the Adelaide Hills will be replaced with a shorter ride around the roads surrounding Victoria Park, so that people who want to participate and donate toys to Vinnies can still do so in a safer environment. The event typically provides up to 4,000 toys which are then distributed by Vinnies volunteers to families in the lead up to Christmas.
MRASA Secretary and Toy Run coordinator Cathy Lux said the association was disappointed that the event wouldn’t go ahead in its usual form, but that rider safety was paramount.
‘Promoting motorcycle road safety is an important part of the MRASA’s purpose, so of course we don’t wish to place any riders at risk due to inclement weather,’ she said.
‘Having said that, we would love to see riders and others head to Victoria Park to donate toys and gifts so that families assisted by Vinnies can celebrate Christmas like everyone else.
‘If conditions don’t allow that, or for anyone else who would like to contribute but can’t attend on Sunday, online donations can be made at https://vinnies.link/ToyRun23
Vinnies volunteers will use the funds to ensure no one misses out on Christmas day.’
Vinnies SA CEO Evelyn O’Loughlin said the organisation remained indebted to the Toy Run organisers and riders who have helped brighten Christmas day for thousands of families over four decades.
‘I know that an incredible amount of work goes into the Toy Run and I feel for the organisers.
‘I also know that when times are tough, South Australians are a generous bunch, so I am sure we will see a great response to help make Christmas a time of celebration during this cost-of-living crisis,’ Ms O’Loughlin said.
- ENDS -
Key Facts:
UPDATED EVENT INFORMATION
What: MRASA Toy Run supporting Vinnies
When: Sunday 10 December
Where: Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi, Adelaide
Order of events:
• From 8.30am - toys and gifts can be dropped at Victoria Park
• Onsite: coffee van, BBQ
• 11am - weather permitting, Santa will lead riders in a shorter ride around the roads surrounding Victoria Park
• Online donations can be made at https://vinnies.link/ToyRun23
• Callington Oval family day has been cancelled
About us:
About the St Vincent de Paul Society
The St Vincent de Paul Society (affectionately known as Vinnies) has been an integral part of the South Australian community since 1884. Providing assistance throughout metropolitan and regional SA, Vinnies is committed to assisting people experiencing disadvantage with a hand up through a focus on food, clothing and shelter.
Along with practical support, Vinnies offers a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to supporting people in need, and advocates on behalf of those who do not have a voice on issues such as the need for more affordable housing; the inadequacy of social security payments; refugee and asylum seeker policy and more.
Services include:
• Vinnies Assistance Visit program which supports approximately 60,000 South Australians each year with food, clothing, furniture and emergency financial assistance.
• Vinnies Men’s Crisis Centre, accommodating 500 men each year
• Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre, accommodating more than 1,000 women and children and 160 pets each year
• Vinnies Refugee & Asylum Seeker Service, supporting 3,500 refugees and asylum seekers
• Fred’s Van meal service – serving 40,000 meals across 10 locations in SA
Contact details:
For more information or an interview opportunity, please contact
Vinnies: Jo Dinnison 0419 940 721 or jdinnison@svdpsa.org.au.
MRASA: Cathy Lux 0408 853 380