Thousands of motorcyclists, their machines festooned with toys of all kinds, rode in two huge processions to Killarney International Raceway on Sunday November 24 for the 42nd annual Toy Run Cape Town.
The participants also included a number of fire-fighters, followed by a fire engine piled high with toys that had been donated at fire stations across the Cape Metropole in the days leading up to the Toy Run.
At Killarney they met up with hundreds of members of the public who had responded to the call on social media that the Toy Run is not just for bikers.
Impressive though the procession is, this event is really about the children – thousands of children in homes, institutions, early development centres, créches and day care centres who would not receive a gift this festive season without the efforts of the Toy Runners.
Before the event, the Toy Run organisers had already received requests for toys from 65 institutions across the Cape Metropole, for approximately 16 000 toys for children in their care. And thanks to the magnificent response from the people of Cape Town, they are quietly confident that these requests can be met.
In his opening remarks as guest of honour at the 2024 Toy Run Cape Town, JP Smith, Mayoral committee member for safety and security, thanked the Toy Tun Committee and the staff at Killarney for their efforts in presenting this iconic event – a day of live music, good fellowship, shopping at dozens of market stall and great food from a variety of vendors.
But the real thanks are due to the people of Cape Town, who heard the call, and donated literally truckloads of toys.
