Riders, Start Your Engines! Get ready for the 20th annual Durban National Motorcycle Toy Run which will be taking place on Sunday, 26 November 2017.
Motorcycle enthusiasts can show off their metal in an incredible mass charity ride leaving the Pavilion Shopping Centre’s top parking area at 9.30am sharp. For just a TOY as an entry fee, riders will be part of the second largest such event in South Africa, after Johannesburg.
South Africa holds the world record and has broken the Guinness Book of Records for the largest amount of motorcycles in one place, and the biggest Charity Toy Run in the World.
The Durban Toy Run ends at Lords and Legends at the Amanzimtoti Sports Ground, where there will be fun live entertainment for both adults and kids, market stalls, and a President’s Auction, where the club president that raises the most money gets to choose a local kiddies charity to which to donate the entire amount.
“What better charitable cause than our children,” said Romy Wenzel, chairperson of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “We are ecstatic that the Toy Run finishes in Amanzimtoti once again. It is a fantastic initiative which immensely benefits the local community. It is a win-win situation for everyone; local businesses and the hospitality industry, the riders, the public and most especially the kids” she added.
During last year’s Toy Run, Wenzel was overwhelmed to see bikers with teddy bears gearing up for the event. “Bikers usually have a ‘tough guy’ image, and to see them soften up for such a cause was simply heart-warming,” she described.
Wenzel highlighted that the Sapphire Coast is home to forty kilometres of unspoilt beauty, with pristine beaches, the world-renowned Aliwal Shoal Reef and rich cultural history. Historical greats such as Dick King and Shaka Zulu are associated with Amanzimtoti. “Events like the Toy Run allow visitors to explore Durban’s southern jewel. There are awesome hikes and bike trails for nature enthusiasts in and around the Amanzimtoti Sports Centre and Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve is a great place to explore. Not to mention a shoppers’ haven at Galleria Mall and the stunning Amanzimtoti Golf Course for those who love the sport,” she said.
According to Lesley Boes, an organiser for the Durban Toy Run, more than eight thousand bikers participated in the 2016 edition and raised around seven thousand toys for underprivileged children for Christmas.
These toys were distributed across various kids’ charities on the day, including CHOC, Dare to Dream, Bobbi Bear, Queen of Peace, Ethelbert Children’s Home, Malvern Children’s Home, Thousand Hills Kids for Christ, Peacehaven Crisis Care and Durban South Lions on behalf of their special Projects for the Blind.
“This showcase event is for everyone. Bike enthusiasts, families, businesses and bike dealerships all have the opportunity to participate in a really worthy cause! The entrance fee to the end venue is also just a toy,” said Boes.
Boes added that if people wish to donate used toys, they must be complete and clean. Toys must not be wrapped as they need to be sorted prior to donating, as some of the special needs kids can’t always have soft toys. “We do not warehouse the toys as they are donated on your behalf directly to the charities on the same day. Come see for yourself!” Boes urged.
Visitors can look forward to live entertainment including DJ Eddie and well-known rock bandHabit To.
The route will be controlled by the KZN Motorcycle Federation Road Captains in conjunction with RTI, Metro and SAPS. This includes the intersections and on and off ramps along the route from The Pavilion Shopping Centre, to the N3, and down the N2 South to Kingsway Road, and to the traffic lights at Adams Road.
Anyone not participating in the Toy Run and wishing to use these roads should either use alternative routes or depart for their destinations before 9am or after 11am in order to avoid delays due to road closures.
For further information on the Toy Run, contact:
Les 083 487 6846
Jo 072 648 5572