Toy Run to finish in Docklands

Thousands of motorcyclists, their families and friends will descend on Docklands on December 12 as the Motorcycle Riders Association (MRA) Toy Run comes to town.

The Docklands Chamber of Commerce has invited the Toy Run to Docklands this year to boost the local economy and forge greater ties with outer suburban Melbourne.

Chamber president Keith Rankin said as many as 30,000 people were expected to flock to Docklands on the day.  He said up to 10,000 motorbikes were expected, as well as friends and families.

The day is being promoted as a family day and a great opportunity to inspect thousands of motorbikes of all shapes, sizes, eras and tastes.

“We expect many will take advantage of Docklands’ great retailing offers and do their Christmas shopping while they are here,” Mr Rankin said.  “Our restaurants should do similarly well with Sunday lunches.”

The annual Toy Run contributes thousands of gifts to Victoria’s underprivileged children via the Salvation Army.

Salvation Army co-ordinator Evan Cassidy said the contributions from the bikers helped the Salvos make Christmas a happier time for thousands of families.

This year is the first time the Toy Run will finish in Docklands. It is the 33rd annual event.  MRA spokesman Jim Little said many rides would start in the outer suburbs and finish in Docklands.

“Riders will be coming from all over Melbourne and will converge on Docklands,” he said.  “One of the more established rides starts at Cranbourne and attracts hundreds of bikers in its own right.”

Mr Rankin said the chamber hoped to organise businesses with multiple branches throughout Melbourne as drop-off points for toys in the lead up to the day.

“We hope the bikers can pick up these donations as they pass through on their way to Docklands,” he said.

Mr Rankin said the chamber had approached the City of Melbourne for funding for the event and was currently seeking corporate sponsors.

If you are a local business wanting to support this cause, please contact the Docklands Chamber of Commerce via its website at http://www.docklandscc.com.au.