Santa will lead the way for the 2025 Combined Riders of Wagga Toy Run. Photo: Supplied.
Motorbikes and toys may not seem like a conventional pairing, but when it comes to the Combined Riders of Wagga Wagga Toy Run, it is a smash hit.
This year’s toy run will see more than 200 riders, led by Santa Claus, lead the charge through some of Wagga’s busiest streets.
The convoy will set up shop at Jubilee Park before travelling to suburbs including Ashmont, Bourkelands, Estella and Forrest Hill before making a final charge down Baylis Street.
In the lead-up to the ride on 6 December, the Combined Riders of Wagga Wagga are set to donate hundreds of toys to the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul in the hopes of making sure every Wagga kid gets a toy this Christmas.
Combined Riders of Wagga Wagga Toy Run coordinator and rider Diane Middleton said events such as the toy run brought the community closer and while most loved the Christmas period, it could be difficult for others.
“We started fundraising for this year’s event all the way back in July,” Ms Middleton said.
“All the funds are donated to the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul to create toy hampers for kids. Many families are in need this Christmas and by having an event like the Toy Run, we’re doing our little bit to make it a bit easier for them.
“You can find us at most of the malls with some buckets raising money. Already this year, we have seen so much generosity from the community.”
The Wagga Toy Run sees more than 200 riders take to the streets of Wagga every year. Photo: Combined Riders of Wagga Wagga Toy Run.
Ms Middleton said one of the greatest parts about the annual toy run was driving past kids and their families who flock to see the bikes.
“When you have 200 bikes all taking part, you see some that have come from across the world,” she said.
“Everyone who takes part just loves hearing the sound of the bikes and being able to ride with others who love it just as much as they do.
“It’s always really nice hearing people say, ‘The bikes are coming.’ It really gives off a sense of excitement.
“You go through the lower socio-economic suburbs and the little kids are out waving and you wave back and you toot the horn. It’s quite exciting for them and adults as well.
While the toy run is only two weeks away, there are still plenty of opportunities for people to register for the run and donate toys.
“If people want to donate toys, they’re able to either bring them to Jubilee Park, or have them on the side of the road. We’ve got two utes that will be following the bikes and they will pick up the toys,” Ms Middleton said.
“We’ll be at Cross Street at around noon and they can bring them down there as well.”
The 2025 Combined Riders of Wagga Wagga Toy Run will kick off at 9 am at Jubilee Park on Saturday, 6 December.
