The Limestone Coast Toy Run will rev into gear on Saturday to help provide gifts for children in need this festive season.
Since taking over the event four years ago, Baptist Care SA has raised over $30,000 and provided more than 1000 Christmas gifts to local children in need.
The convoy of vehicles will leave Endeavour Mount Gambier at 7am and return to the railway lands around 1pm where there will be a show and shine.
Organisers have taken Remembrance Day into consideration, bringing forward the Penola meet time to 10.45am to give participants the opportunity to pay respects and attend the town’s service.
Baptist Care SA Limestone Coast area manager John Merrett said the event was in partnership with local charity Four Reasons Why for the inaugural time and as always was supported by the local motorcycle and car clubs.
“By partnering with Four Reasons Why, we can go beyond just the gift, providing the whole family with a gift package,” he said.
“Families will get a gift package containing vouchers to purchase toys and food and family activity vouchers.
“In the past years we have put a lot of effort into buying a tailored gift for a young person, however nothing replaces the joy of buying a gift for your own child, so we are giving that back to families.
Mr Merrett said he hoped the event was well supported despite the current cost of living crisis and the price of fuel.
“We recognise that everyone has experienced some hardship this year and the cost of petrol is definitely more expensive, so we hope this will not impact too greatly on who goes out on the runs,” he said.
“Last year there were about 150 vehicles between the cars and the motorcycles and this has been fairly consistent over the years Baptist Care SA has hosted it.
“We encourage anyone that wants to donate to jump on our website, come down on the day or just come into our office.”
Mr Merrett is encouraging participants to decorate their vehicles in a Christmas theme and has praised those who have done so in previous years.
“We do have a group of riders and drivers who go for the best Christmas decorated bike or car trophy and they put a lot of effort into it,” he said.
“The range and quality of vehicles is impressive and you can see that passion that goes into them.
“We encourage community members to come down to have a look and enjoy the on-site catering as well.”
