Bikers Team Up With Sallies To Brighten Wellington Kids’ Christmas

Wellington, 30 November 2007 – A Wellington motorcycle club is partnering with The Salvation Army to bring toys to needy children in the Wellington region this Christmas.

The Wellington Harley Owners Group will hold their second annual Toy Run on Sunday, 2 December. An estimated 400 bikers, each carrying a toy, will ride en masse from Mana Esplane arriving at Queens Wharf in Wellington about noon. On hand to meet them will be Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and a Salvation Army band.

The hundreds of toys donated by bikers will be supplemented by toys left by the public at The Warehouse stores and New World supermarkets in the Wellington region. The toys, along with profits from biker registrations, will be passed to The Salvation Army for distribution to needy children and families in the Wellington region this Christmas.

Toy Run organiser Dave Jones says that the public are encouraged to come along to see the Harley’s and other motorbikes, as well as enjoy the music and other entertainment, including a trail riding display by New Zealand champion rider Jake Whitaker.

Salvation Army Public Relations Secretary Major Robert Ross says that the toy run is a great initiative and a positive way for bikers to support children in need.

‘Christmas can be a difficult time for needy families who are already struggling to balance their budgets without the extra pressures of buying toys for their children.

‘Everyone wants to see their children take part in the traditions of Christmas, but for some families that is a little bit beyond their reach.

‘The bikers and businesses involved are really coming to the party by donating toys and making it possible to put a smile on the faces of children who might otherwise miss out on some of the joy of Christmas.’

Major Ross says that Wellington businesses New World, The Warehouse, Fulton Hogan and Waste Management were all supporting the toy run.

People may also like to support the Sallies Christmas Appeal by phone on 0800-53-00-00 or online at www.salvationarmy.org.nz

ENDS

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