On the last Sunday of November each year, thousands of bikers all over Southern Africa gather for the annual Toy Run, one of the world’s biggest motorcycle charity events and, after four decades, one of the best known. And on Sunday 24 November, Killarney is proud to host the 42nd annual Cape Town Toy Run.
Every year the Toy Run, as a registered charity, gives toys to thousands of children in foster homes, orphanages, clinics, places of safety, grassroots daycare centres and creches across the Western Cape, a silent minority for whom the opportunity to receive a gift would not exist were it not for this event.
Thousands of riders on motorcycles of every size and genre, festooned with toys of all descriptions, will converge on Killarney in two enormous convoys – one leaving Athlone Stadium at 10:00am, the other starting at the Grand West Casino at 10:30.
The first Cape Town Toy Run in 1983 hosted 76 motorcycles; this year’s event is confidently expected to bring together one hundred times that number. Nevertheless, in 2023 there was a shortfall of 3000 toys between the requests received by the Toy Run Trust and the toys donated.
Which meant that 3000 children in need did not receive a gift last year, because there weren’t enough to go round – it’s as simple, and as shameful, as that.
So this year, once again, the Toy Run is all about the children. There is no couvert charge for the celebration at the end point; your entry ticket is your toy – or toys!
The Toy Run isn’t just for bikers; it’s for anybody who is ready to give back for the benefit of those who in need. You’re invited join the festivities at Killarney – just bring toys!
They don’t even have to be new toys; the Toy Run receives hundreds of well-loved toys from children who, once they understand what the Run is all about, give up their favourites for a child less fortunate – and it is said that those toys bring with them a special karma.
Each year the Toy Run receives thousands of fluffy toys (the symbol of the Toy Run is, after all, a teddy bear) but there is also a great need for toys for older children, such as dolls, toy vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trucks and, especially, fire engines!) as well as sports sets, arts and crafts equipment and games.
And after you have placed your toy (or toys!) in the five-ton truck parked there for the purpose, you’re invited to join the riders – free of charge – for the festivities, including the Bar and Clubhouse, which will be open for food and refreshment sales, with live music and other entertainment, a dedicated children’s play area, badge and T-shirt sales, motorcycle displays and a host of stalls offering bikewear and bling for you and your bike.
Two riders – Lynn Curling and Liz Rickards, each a former motorcycle racer – started the Toy Run in 1983. But the bikers cannot do it alone; it takes a whole community to look after all its children.
Be here at Killarney on Sunday 24 November – and bring toys!
