MRA(Vic) Toyrun 2009

The 32nd MRA(Vic) is on Sunday 13th December 2009

The annual Toyrun is practically an institution in Melbourne. Ever since 1978, when forty motorcyclists met to pass on toys to the community’s less privileged via the Salvation Army, more than 100,000 motorcyclists have taken part, and the Toyrun phenomenon has spread to communities across Australia and around the World.

The Motorcycle Rider’s Association (Vic) will be conducting the Toyrun again on 13 December 2009 with a small twist, recognising just how big the event has become.

MRA(Vic) President John Karmouche said that the Melbourne Toyrun had become something of a victim of its own success, “Over the years, the Toyrun has grown to the extent that finding the resources needed to run it from one central location was becoming increasingly expensive,” he said. “With the numbers that wanted to take part, particularly at its peak, the police needed to close roads and coordinate traffic.”

“This year we’ve decided to decentralise the Toyrun, and we've created seven different departure points which will make it easier for everyone involved and be much less of a financial burden to members.”

Riders can join the Toyrun in Melbourne’s North, East South and West and travel in smaller groups. The departure locations are in Melton, Lilydale, Eltham, Ferntree Gully, Cranbourne, Werribee and a smaller run with Santa and his tuk-tuk from LaTrobe Street in the CBD.

Karmouche says the idea is that everyone rides to Williamstown to celebrate the 32^nd Toyrun and contribute their donations, “Having the seven separate rides also means that we can stagger arrivals, too which will also be less disruptive of the folks at Williamstown,” Karmouche said. All donations are to the Salvation Army.

Click on the "Melbourne" tab above for more info on the departure and destination locations.

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