Slim Mackenzie led Toy Ride 2022.
Esperance bikers and classic car owners are polishing their machines to sparkle and shine at the 15th annual Restore Hope Toy Run.
Toy Run founder and coordinator Slim Mckenzie said the charity drive collected toys for distribution to children.
“It’s all about the community, for families in need so they can have a Christmas like other people,” Mr Mckenzie said.
“Your family, your kids and grandkids are all going to get a nice Christmas lunch and holidays and toys, for me it’s all about putting back into the community for families that need our support.”
Mr Mckenzie said all participants donated at least one unwrapped toy, but they also accepted toys from donors who did not wish to participate in the Toy Run.
“If they want to, people can donate an unwrapped gift to Florissons Home furniture,” he said.
Mr Mckenzie said the deadline for donations was noon on Saturday, December 14.
Beside the Toy Run, he said Restore Hope also made up and distributed Christmas hampers for the same families using donated food.
Mr Mckenzie said a growing number of Esperance businesses was giving food, including Castletown Chemist, Dome, Choppin Block Butchery, South Coast Food Services, Pink Lake and Esperance IGAs, McDonalds, Aurelia’s, Barbecues Galore, Southern Ports, Esperance Woolworths, Progressive Women, and Mates for Mates.
“I thank all the businesses that support Restore Hope and the Toy Run,” Mr Mckenzie said.
“Every year is getting better and better.”
The Toy Run starts this Saturday, December 14, at the Race Course car park.
Participants muster at 9am and expect to depart at 9.30.
The route is Goldfields Road, Phyllis Street, Sheldon Road, Harbour Road, Pink Lake Road and the tourist loop, regrouping at West Beach carpark.
They then head over the bridge, up William Street, through McDonalds drive-through and down the main street to the Andrew Street roundabout, turn right to the water roundabout before heading back up the main street, turning right and proceeding to Florisson’s Home furniture for a sausage sizzle.
