Hundreds of motorcycles ride to raise Christmas toy donations for the Salvation Army

Father Christmas will lead a convoy of hundreds of motorcycles through the streets of Albany next week for the annual Bikers Charity Run for the Salvation Army.

Organised by the Albany Section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club of WA, riders will gather at Foundation Park on Parade Street at 10am on Saturday, December 11, before setting off on a ride around town.

The riders will finish their route at Albany Town Square about 10.30am where Salvation Army volunteers will be collecting donations such as toys, board games and toiletries.

VMCCWA Albany section chairman Paul Armstrong said 2021 was the group’s 35th consecutive year organising the run.

“It’s one of our club events and we’re trying to keep it going to keep raising money for the Salvation Army Christmas Fund Appeal,” he said.

“I think last year the money we raised helped put together 127 hampers for the needy or under-privileged.

“So that’s 127 families we helped out and I think that’s a pretty good effort.”

Mr Armstrong said the money raised stayed within the region to help families doing it tough over Christmas.

“Whatever we raise in the Great Southern stays in the Great Southern,” he said.

“Those hampers got to families in Albany, Mt Barker and Denmark.”

Each year, the riders deck out their bikes with Christmas decorations and attach teddy bears to the front of their handlebars.

Mr Armstrong said while donations of teddy bears and toys were always welcome, he would encourage people to donate more unisex gifts.

“You could buy more universal toys or games that suit both boys and girls, especially those who are a little bit older,” he said. “A skateboard will probably do a girl and a boy. Toys like that which would work for all kids so that no families are left out.”