The 2016 Pretoria Toy Run was held recently at the Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort. Once again it was an extremely successful event with approximately 1,500 enthusiastic bikers from surrounding areas and clubs that took part in the mass ride along the N4. Approximately 10,500 gifts were collected.
This is the largest motorcycling event in South Africa and arguably the world. This was the tenth year that Bakwena N1N4 toll road supported this event along its N1N4 route which also included a contribution of R15 000 towards the Toy Run shirts.
“Bakwena has long supported the Pretoria and Limpopo Toy Run, which this year for the first time became two separate events. We are once again proud to be associated with this worthwhile initiative. Unprivileged children across South Africa will be delighted to receive a gift this Christmas, due to the generous support of the thousands of bikers that took part,” says Charmaine van Wyk, spokesperson for Bakwena.
The 1,500 bikers assembled at the Kolonnade Retail Park from where they departed, in mass-ride format, to Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort, Impala rally site, where the main event took place. It was attended by approximately 5,000 bikers and many more guests. “To accommodate this extraordinary number of motorbike riders, Bakwena opened up various toll plazas along the N4 route. This Toy Run is the only one in the country with a full road closure,” says Charmaine. A number of Toy Runs are held simultaneously across South Africa in different towns, with 20 or more different charities benefiting from the Pretoria Run alone.
This year, in addition to the expected soft toys the bikers normally donate and which get distributed between shelters and hospitals, participants were asked to donate various items of stationery and toiletries for the many orphanages who have been added to the charity list.
“Thank you to everyone who attended the Run and showed that they care! On behalf of the many young lives helped this Christmas, Bakwena thanks all the bikers, the Pretoria Biking Council and organisers for spreading the message of hope. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!” concludes van Wyk.
