It has become one of the great Mount Isa pre-Christmas traditions over the years and did not disappoint again in 2017.
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The Mount Isa Harley Owners Group toy run has been going strong since the start of the century and on Saturday HOGs and other motorcyclists gathered at Outback at Isa to start another run.
HOGs toy run organiser Tony Moloney was delighted with the turn-out.
“We’ve got a lot of bikes shown up here today, around 30 to 40 bikes, which is about the same as we had last year,” Mr Moloney said.
“It’s open to all kinds of motorbikes if you want to come for a ride. We all meet here (Outback at Isa) and then head off on our ride around town and go to people’s houses that have rung up to donate toys.
“We pick up the toys and have a great day.”
Mr Moloney said the Salvos came with the ride in their van to store all the toys they pick up.
“It’s all private houses except for Aussie Outdoors, we do a pick-up from there, and also Jess’s hair shop and Discovery Caravan Parks,” he said.
“There have been a few businesses that have donated toys so a big thank you to those.”
Mr Moloney said the toy run had been going for around 15 years and he had been involved for the last 10 years.
“It’s a special time of the year and giving to kids is the main thing,” he said.
“We know that people have hard times and people are less fortunate than we are so if we can help in any way we will and the Salvos are a fantastic organisation and we really like to support them.”
Lieutenant Brad Whittle of the Mount Isa Salvation Army said this was such a meaningful time where the community comes together to support those in need.
“We’ve got Tony and the Harley Owners Group who run this annual event and it is such a well supported event,” Lt Whittle said.
“They ride around in the heat to pick up gifts and it is such a blessing to see the community help in this way.”
The Salvos follow around in their minibus to store the presents collected and they will later distribute the goodies that are picked up during the toy run.
“The Salvos play a key role to get the presents to families in need,” Lt Whittle said.
At the end of the toy run, the bikers all meet up at the Overlander Hotel with a meat tray raffle where the money also goes to the Salvation Army.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
