Motorcycle riders’ toy run will continue at the Bend Motorsport Park
What was thought to have been the end of a Callington charity event will actually be the start of something new at the motorsport park at Tailem Bend.
What has been an annual toy run from Adelaide to Callington, with motorcyclists transporting toys on their bikes, will now be a track lap at Tailem Bend Motorsport Park.
On December 14, the Bend will host the vital charity event to support families doing it tough this Christmas.
In late September, the Motorcycle Riders' Association of South Australia's toy run committee had made the hard decision to cancel the 2025 event after 46 years.
The South Australian Motor Sport Board (SAMSB) had been unable to grant permission for the use of the Victoria Park, the venue where riders were supposed to have gathered.
With no other venue able to cater to 2500 bikes, MRASA was given the date choice of December 21 by SAMSB and the City of Adelaide.
Unfortunately, after contacting vendors, the MRASA committee found they would have less than 20 percent attendance rate with only one food vendor.
The date so close to Christmas was not a good time to source volunteers and other assistance needed to make for a successful event.
MRASA toy run committee member Cathy Lux said the generosity of the event, with donations going to St Vincent de Paul, should always continue.
"It is the end of an era which we found very hard to let go, but it is not the end of the giving," she said.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald said when they heard it was off, his team had put their hands up.
"We have the space, the safety infrastructure and the passion to keep the spirit of the toy run alive – most importantly, to keep donations flowing to Vinnies so kids wake up to Christmas with joy and dignity," he said.
Riders will assemble in the Motor Racing Circuit paddock from mid-afternoon, then complete a track cruise with Father Christmas from 5pm.
The ride will return to Podium Park for a festive evening featuring trade stalls, food vendors and stalls from long-time toy run supporters.
Kristi Hermsen, general manager of brand and organisational culture at Vinnies, said the generosity of riders would help put presents under the tree.
"The Bend’s format preserves the hallmark elements – a big, safe, family-friendly ride with an unmistakably festive finish – and keeps the cause front and centre,"she said.
Riders and spectators are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys or make an additional cash donation on the day.
Riders will needs to register online, and pay a $20 fee with all fee proceeds going to Vinnies SA.
- Register: thebend.rezdy.com.
- Donate to the Vinnies Christmas appeal: vinnies-sa.grassrootz.com.
