Salvos motorcycle toy run rolls out the Christmas spirit in Tasmania

Jet skis, motorbikes and a double-decker bus were all part of the annual Toy Run through Hobart.

BY LERISSE SMITH

Engines roared to life, jet skis zipped across the water, and a shiny red double-decker bus rolled in as the Christmas spirit burst through Hobart for one of the city’s most loved festive traditions – the annual Salvos Motorcycle Riders Association (MRA) South Toy Run.

Thousands of Tasmanians flocked to join the festivities, with $25,000 worth of gifts and donations given to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer program. Now celebrating its 46th year, the MRA South Toy Run remains Australia’s longest-running event of its kind.

It wasn’t just a parade of chrome and horsepower; it was a celebration of generosity, community and the festive Christmas spirit.

“The Toy Run was absolutely incredible,” said Amelia Natoli, Salvos State Manager of External Communications.

Some of the colourful displays on motorcycles as they thundered through the streets of Hobart.

“It was a great success and an awesome community day. So many people took part from all walks of life. It was a fantastic day full of festive cheer. The generosity and community spirit on display was something truly special. The incredible support received will help the Salvos bring hope to Tasmanians in need this Christmas.”

The iconic charity ride on 9 November brought the city to life as 1500 riders, jet skis and a red double-decker bus joined forces to bring gifts and donations for the Salvos Christmas Cheer program.

The convoy thundered out of MyState Bank Arena in Glenorchy at 12.30pm and rolled into Salamanca on the waterfront at 1pm. Jetski Tas Inc. joined the event by water.

The team of skiers from Jetski Tas Inc. added much excitement to the Toy Run arriving on their water to take part in the community day. 

Crowds packed the streets with ‘Honk if you go past!’ signs posted on some residential fences, while children squealed with delight as the riders thundered by, including some from interstate.

Getting into the swing of the day was Tamanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who filmed the spectacle from his office overlooking the waterfront.

For Amelia, who has been helping to organise the Toy Run for six years and volunteered for many more, the magic still hasn’t faded.

“It’s an event that I love very much,” she said. “Having the jet skis involved for the last two years has been awesome. The event continues to take a new turn. It never fails to surprise us. Seeing people rock up on their bikes is amazing. We had one of the biggest plush toys, a gorgeous dog, I’ve seen this year. He got to say hi to all the lovely community members that lined the streets.”

Adding extra sparkle this year was Red Decker Hobart, a bright red double-decker bus, joining the Toy Run for the first time. Volunteers aboard enjoyed the best view in the house, watching the bikes and crowds from the top deck.

The Red Decker Hobart bus took part in the parade.

 Behind the scenes, the 50 Salvos volunteers teamed up with the MRA South crew to make the day happen. The Hobart Corps even wrapped up church early so volunteers could help collect the gifts when riders arrived.

While the value of this year’s gifts was slightly down on previous years, they were still impressive, Amelia added.

“The thing we noticed that changed a little bit was that we received a similar number of gifts, but the value of each gift was a little bit less,” she reflected.

“Usually, the gifts are worth about $25, but this year the average was probably more the $15 mark, which really showed that the community still wanted to support it. The riders were still so generous, with the cost of living and everything else.”

Amelia said the event could not happen without the MRA South team, which handles permits, police permissions and logistics to keep everything running smoothly.

It has been a family affair for the Natoli family who has volunteered at the Toy Run for many years. From left, Amelia, Mark, Bianca and Felicity.

Last year, more than 1500 families and 2,428 children received help from Salvos through its Christmas Cheer program. Some riders also brought food for hampers. The gifts collected this year will again be sorted at the central Christmas warehouse, divided by age groups, and distributed across the state.

Applications for the Christmas Cheer have already opened with the Salvos receiving 80 on the first day alone.

The figure has now risen to more than 700.

Some of the incredible Salvos volunteers helping out at the 46th MRA South Toy Run. 

“I think we are going to see a much higher demand for support,” Amelia remarked. “So, everything that we got from the Toy Run is just so greatly appreciated.”

The MRA South team operate as a volunteer-led committee organising the entire event themselves.

“They still want to support others which is really humbling because it’s going to be a tough year for us, and what we can provide really depends on what people give,” Amelia explained. “Obviously, year after year it gets harder and more expensive for them to make the event happen. But they always go above and beyond.”

And looking ahead, the future of the event looks bright.

“Tasmanian Police, Glenorchy and Hobart City Councils, State Roads, Traffic Management – absolutely everyone gets behind it,” she added. “We are very grateful to everyone that makes it happen.”

 (From left) MRA South President, Jarrod Doyle, The Salvation Army TAS Area Officer, Major Vicki Clarke, Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor, Dr Zelinda Sherlock and MRA South Event MC, David Closs joined in the festivities of the major event that drew large crowds from across Tasmania.