RIDERS have band together today to make sure every child across the city wakes up to a present under the tree this Christmas.
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The Combined Riders of Wagga have organised the Toy Run for more than 30 years, but committee member Rodney Rynehart said this year has been even more important after the many challenges families have faced in 2020.
"Some kids just don't get Christmas presents and that's wrong. All kids should get some sort of present, especially this year," he said.
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The annual event saw a convoy of 123 motorbikes leaving Jubilee Park on Saturday morning for a 90-kilometre ride around the city before reaching their final destination at the Civic Centre where the toys were delivered to two well-deserving charities.
Mr Rynehart said they had received "very generous donations," which allowed them to buy $10,000 worth of toys that will be evenly split between the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Pauls.
"Every dollar has been spent in as many toy shops in Wagga that needed a helping hand," he said.
St Vincent de Paul's Trevor Urquhart said the two charity groups are "very appreciative" of the donations because without the help of the annual Toy Run they delivering toys and hampers to all families in need would not be possible.
"It puts joy on the children's faces because all they see at this time of year is the advertising for toys, knowing Santa is coming," he said.
"If we never had the support of the bike club, we could never really give the assistance that we are giving now."
"It is really great and the families are appreciative to be able to give their children some good quality toys.