The Roundwood Solutions Limestone Coast Toy Run was a revving success, raising over $2500 over the weekend.
Saturday’s inclement weather failed to stop nearly 100 vehicles from attending the event to raise money for Baptist Care SA.
The funds raised are used to purchase presents for those doing it tough in the Limestone Coast for Christmas and 350-400 gifts are expected to be purchased this festive season.
Baptist Care SA Limestone Coast area manager John Merrett said organisers were happy and appreciative of those that participated and tolerated the weather conditions.
“We expected the die-hards to come out because it’s ultimately not about the weather, it is about coming together to raise money for the kids,” he said.
“We try to keep it in the front of everyone’s mind because even if you did not go or if you were planning to go and did not go, you can still donate.
“We do it because a lot of our work within the Limestone Coast is supporting children in out of home care, so we do not do a lot of community support work in our day-to-day business, so this is a perfect opportunity to make an impact in the broader community.
“Donations will stay open nearly until Christmas because we do usually get a few last-minute emergencies potentially.
“It is not unusual the week or two before Christmas we have a phone call from a service or something saying, ‘we have this family, they are really struggling at the moment, do you have anything left over’.”
The early morning riders left at 7am from the old Bunnings Warehouse and travelled through Millicent, up to Naracoorte and then a group from Naracoorte rode through to Penola.
Riders met up again at the old Bunnings Warehouse site around midday before traversing Commercial Street to the railway lands.
Mr Merrett said the toy run was becoming more of a key event, especially within the motoring community.
“We have really good support from the United Car and Motorcycle Club, the Naracoorte Historic Vehicle Club, Native Suns Motorcycle Club and the Easy Riders Motorcycle Club,” he said.
“We like to involve the motorcycle clubs and the car clubs because they are the key people in making it happen.
“SES and SAPOL help out with all the traffic lights and it’s appreciated what they pitch in each year.
“The feedback through the Facebook page and even on the day was people were saying thank you for putting it on, it was really great to be involved and they were really supportive of it.”
Mr Merrett said there were stalls at the Railway Lands this year for the first time.
“On our fifth year we thought we would try to keep it a bit dynamic so we brought in stalls and it was an opportunity for people to have a look, get some gifts of their own and involve more people,” he said.
“I think it gave visitors something else to do and maybe just made it into more of a community event.
“We will definitely have the stalls again and hopefully next year when the weather is a bit nicer there will be more community members coming down and sharing the market.”
Local 13-year-old talent Gabriel Strachan sang at the event and South East Street Machines members helped to judge the Show and Shine.
The best decorated car and bike was won by Rebel, top decorated bike went to Diana and Mark Sims and the people’s choice top car was won by Matt Evans.
To donate, visit The Baptist Care SA website and select the Toy Run Appeal.
