Another successful Toy Run arrives in Cowes on December 8, collecting gifts and food for Christmas hampers. Photos courtesy of Samantha Halstead, Dead4Eva Designs.
The riders assembled at Caldermeade Farm then travelled into Cowes. Photos courtesy of Samantha Halstead, Dead4Eva Designs.
Samantha Hampstead of Dead4Eva Designs organised the Toy Run which collects toys and food for families struggling at Christmas. Photos courtesy of Samantha Halstead, Dead4Eva Designs.
There were ten of thousands of dollars worth of toys and vouchers donated by the participants of the Toy Run. Photos courtesy of Samantha Halstead, Dead4Eva Designs.
Organisers Samantha and Jason Hampstead of Dead4Eva Designs with some of the toys generously donated by this year's Toy Run. Photos courtesy of Samantha Halstead, Dead4Eva Designs.
Organisers of the annual Toy Run, which sees hundreds of motorcyclists ride from Caldermeade to Phillip Island say this year was the most successful ever.
Over $10,000 was donated in toys and vouchers, to help families doing it tough this Christmas.
Organisers Samantha and Jason Hampstead of Dead4Eva Designs said after sorting and counting up all the donations there was at least $1000 in food vouchers, $4000 in general/mixed vouchers and $10,000 in toys.
The donations were sorted by volunteers from Phillip Island Rotary, the Phillip Island CFA, members of the Trust No One SMC, a representative from the Cranbourne Scout Group, plus local community
members, including family and friends.
Families in need were then able to come and access the donations they needed.
"After three hours it was all sorted," Samantha and Jason said in an update posted on the Toy Ride Facebook page.
"Families all the way from Bass Valley through to Wonthaggi North came in and we gave out toys and vouchers for over 200 children, during the six hours we were there."
They thanked all the participants of the ride and the volunteers who helped sort the donations.
"You all helped put food on people's tables this Christmas - including this week and provide a happy Christmas for children."
Leftover toys were distributed evenly between Rotary groups in Phillip Island, Drouin, Wonthaggi and Warragul.
"There's even more that have gone to PICAL, as well as all the food that was donated," Samantha and Jason said.
"Thank you so, so much to the riding community and our local community. This year's Annual Phillip Island Toy Run 2024 has been an amazing success.
"We wish you all a wonderful Christmas."
