Toy Joy In Revved Up Run

Newcastle Herald

Monday December 8, 2008

By LISA BARRITT-EYLES

MORE than 4000 bikers converged on Newcastle yesterday to deliver cash and toys in the annual Bikers for Kids Toy Run.

Residents lined the route to watch the decorated parade of bikes rumble into town.

Salvation Army spokesman Major David Eyles said an estimated $25,000 in toys was given while cash donations were still being processed.

The toys and money will go to the Combined Charities Christmas Warehouse.

The Salvation Army will also distribute toys and food to an estimated 500 needy Hunter families in the Christmas period.

"The bikers and the general public were very generous in their gift giving," Major Eyles said.

The feeling was also festive at Wallsend's Christmas markets and music festival on Saturday as the devastation of last year's floods faded to a distant memory.

Wallsend's business precinct was alive with people browsing market stalls, interacting with roving Christmas characters, singing carols and meeting Santa.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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