Toy run keeps on giving

The festive spirit of giving hit the roads earlier this month when motorcyclists from across the countryside came together, bearing gifts and Christmas cheer for families in need.

This is the second year that local proprietors Samantha and Jason Hampstead, of Dead4Eva tattoo shop in Cowes, have organised this toy run for families who would otherwise be facing a bleak Christmas.

The response to this year's event was overwhelming.

"We're still learning, but we're thrilled with the number of riders and the amount of toys that have been given this year," said Jason who along with his wife Samantha have put in countless hours of preparation to ensure its success.

Sunday December 10 saw over 200 riders converge in Tooradin from surrounding local and metropolitan areas before riding down the highway to the Baptist Church in Cowes.

They were a festive sight with many of the bikes decked out in Santa gear and with some taking their toys as passengers.

It was last year that Samantha and Jason decided to hold this event as a way of giving to those in need within the community. Working in conjunction with welfare officers in local schools they have been able to ensure that as many children as possible receive a gift from Santa, and that families will benefit from food vouchers, from Woollies, that have been made possible through financial assistance from local businesses.

Such has been the response that tables set up in Barrie's Shed as well as rooms in the church were overflowing with gifts. It has enabled families to select at least two gifts for each child.

Plans are already in place for next year. Keen riders are asked to lock in Sunday December 8, 2024, to add further cheer all round.