The local organisation, Bikers For Kids, is hosting a series of fundraising events to help recover from the impacts of the Wickham woolshed fire, where it lost over $18,000 worth of equipment used in the iconic Newcastle Toy Run.
Bikers For Kids exists to provide financial and material support for marginalised members of the Newcastle and Hunter community.
While the organisation actively supports many motorcycle-focused charity initiatives, the flagship event is the annual Newcastle Toy Run, which enlists the support of thousands of fellow motorcyclists to ride and donate funds and gifts for kids in need during Christmas.
Bikers For Kids was amongst the hundreds of enterprises affected by the devastating Wickham woolshed fire on March 1.
Over $18,000 worth of Newcastle Toy Run equipment was lost, including promotional banners, flags, gazebos, road and traffic management bollards, signage, barrier boards, and electrical equipment.
Treasurer Stephen Meek said they wanted to raise some much-needed funds to help replace their lost equipment and recover before their major event in December.
“We lost all of our event equipment which is pretty devastating. Although we will eventually recover, it’s still very hard, especially when we had over 40 years’ worth of accumulative stuff in that warehouse,” Meek said.
“We’ve had a couple of generous people step up and help us replace some gear, but it will take us a while to recoup.
“The team behind the Toy Run, while devastated, are bouncing back quickly. They are raising money to replace lost equipment, and planning is underway for some recovery events leading to the main event in December.”
Meek said the team would be at various fundraising events to help raise the recovery funds.
A sausage sizzle will be hosted at Kotara Bunnings on May 15 and July 5 and at Wallsend Bunnings on May 28.
“If you’re a Novocastrian out for a ride or a drive, drop by and grab a sausage or make a donation,” Meek said.
“We will be at the first weekend of the Offshore Superboat Championships at Lake Macquarie during the car show in Speers Point Park on May 15 and we are also planning a benefit day at Ka-Fey Cafe on Hunter Street Mall on May 25.”
Meek said plans were also being made for their Christmas in July event, in which they would start opening up collection points for their toy donation drive.
This year will mark 45 years of their toy collection drive, which will see thousands of motorcyclists ride from Ballast Ground Park in Stockton to Wickham Park on December 4.
“It’s a spectacular parade of elaborately decorated motorcycles and riders laden with gifts,” Meek said.
“The community is always invited to join in on the fun with live bands, food trucks, markets, kids rides and motorcycle and trade displays.”
From less formal origins in 1978, where the original ride was from the Federal Hotel on Hunter Street, Bikers For Kids was established in 1990 by motorcycle enthusiast and community figure, Big John Young, who coordinated and continued the tradition.
In 2016, it was incorporated as an association and appointed a board of directors, which is now headed by Big John’s son Daryn.
The committee comprises seven members who meet regularly to plan ways of funding, supporting and raising awareness of disadvantaged kids and families in the Newcastle and Hunter region.
For more information on donating or purchasing raffle tickets, visit the Bikers For Kids Facebook page or newcastletoyrun.com.au.
Hayley McMahon