Bikers share toy run fun

Hearty snarls of motorcycle engines filled the air as a parade of stuffed animals and bikers toured Port Hedland.

Motoring enthusiasts from across the North West were led by Santa as they headed out in force for the Hedland Riders Association’s annual Christmas Charity Toy Run.

The bikes made their way around town stopping at The Pier Hotel, The Walkabout Hotel and Last Chance Tavern last Saturday before retiring to the association’s clubhouse and donating collected toys to the St Vincent De Paul charity.

Association member AJ Christoffersen said the support from members, sponsors and the general public was overwhelming for the event.

“It’s a bit down on previous years but still great support from the community — around 35-plus bikes, all for a good cause even in this uncomfortable weather,” he said.

“On the way we get a few people coming out and waving, watching the bikes go through — we get a lot of support from the community in heaps of different ways.

“I’d like to thank the community for getting behind us, they’re the ones that bring the toys in to give to kids who are a bit less fortunate over the Christmas period — without the support of the community we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

The five-hour journey was rounded out with a barbecue.