IT’S not every day that you see Spiderman, Minnie Mouse, Santa and Elsa (from the movie Frozen) in the one place at the same time.
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But that’s what happened outside Toronto Diggers on Saturday as the club hosted a toy collection for the annual Bikers for Kids Toy Run, in Newcastle, this Sunday, December 2.
Westlakes residents have been praised for their generosity in donating dozens of toys valued at about $5000.
“We filled Santa’s sleigh with toys, and Santa’s box trailer thanks to Toronto Diggers and the people of this side of the lake,” event coordinator Linda Coleman said.
In recent weeks, staff and patrons of the club had started the toy collection, and it was significantly boosted on Saturday when more than 200 locals turned up to meet Santa and his super hero helpers.
“Santa had helpers on 30 motorbikes, and Santa stayed for over two hours for the kids,” Ms Coleman said.
“To fill the sleigh and a box trailer with donated toys... that's what Christmas is about. It’s all for the children.”
Making news:
The toys collected at Toronto Diggers will be added to the Bikers For Kids Newcastle Toy Run on Sunday.
The toy run has contributed significantly to The Salvation Army Hunter Christmas Appeal for more than three decades. The toys are distributed to disadvantaged children in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
“We are immensely grateful for the generous support provided by this iconic event and the many thousands of riders that take part,” Major Christine Martin, the Salvation Army’s divisional social liaison officer, said.
“Through the donation of funds and toys, we are able to directly assist local families in their time of need and we simply couldn't do this without Bikers For Kids and community support.”
Locals are invited to join Santa and the super heroes at Wickham Park from 10am to 1.30pm this Sunday to enjoy the Bikers For Kids Newcastle Toy Run.
The first bikes are expected to arrive at about 10.20am.
There will be live music, prizes for best-dressed families and bikes, Santa photos, plentiful food options, markets, a giant tug’o’war, motorcycle displays and accessories, amusement rides, and colouring competitions.
The day will culminate in an impressive motorbike raffle.