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Local bikers ride in with Christmas cheer

One-hundred motorcycles converged on Moe and Morwell, on Saturday week, bringing Christmas joy to a number of Latrobe Valley families

By Latrobe City Council - 18th December 2001 - Back to News

One-hundred motorcycles converged on Moe and Morwell, on Saturday week, bringing Christmas joy to a number of Latrobe Valley families. The motorcyclists, members of the Eastern Riders, Riders of the Southern Cross and Ulysses Club, were taking part in their inaugural Toy Run. Toys, food and money collected by the riders were presented to St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said the toy run had been the culmination of many months of planning by the Eastern Riders involving fund raising and the collection of toys and food.

"Not only did the effort provide Christmas cheer to Latrobe Valley’s struggling families, but the sights and sounds of 100 motorcycles were also a treat to the shoppers at Moe and Morwell. It’s a great example of an initiative from within the community making a real contribution towards assisting the community," Cr Jenkins said.

"It’s easy in the excitement of Christmas to forget that there are numerous families in Latrobe who have real difficulties making ends meet. While most of us are fortunate to enjoy special treats at Christmas time, for many it is a struggle just to survive. The work of groups in the community like the St Vincent De Paul Society and the Salvation Army plays a very real part in providing some of the badly needed support such families require. However, those agencies can only do their work with the generosity of groups such as the riders," Cr Jenkins said.

The ride began with a breakfast provided at the Moe Racing Club Turfside Tabaret and concluded at The Morwell Club Inc, where the band ‘Once Again’ entertained the gathering.

In accepting the four utility and five trailer loads of food and toys, Linda Stewart, the Salvation Army’s Charity Co-ordinator said that it was a significant contribution and would make a huge difference to many needy families during the Christmas period.

Alby Tyben, President of the Eastern Riders, thanked the many businesses that had supported the appeal and Latrobe City Council for its support. "Bike clubs in the Latrobe Valley and Melbourne have got together in a really good cause and it’s great to see so many were represented, with many more offering support for next year. I’d like to thank all of the riders who made the day the huge success that it was," Mr Tyben said.

Planning is already taking place for next year’s Toy Run and any person interested in participating should contact Alby Tyben, telephone 5134 3039 or Alf on 5167 1794.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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