Ben McArthur
This year’s Keith Hamilton Toy Run was another “massive success” said Red Knights Motorcycle Club – Chapter 6 President, Andrew Young.
“There weren’t as many bikes this year because of the weather, but it’s been a perfect day, and the donations have been much bigger than last year.
“I think we’re gonna have close to $30,000 worth of donations this year,” he said.
Mr Young estimated last year’s donations were worth $21,000.
The event had about 25 riders, including four police escorts, such as senior Constable Nick Rose. He said it was his final shift for 2023.
“It’s a good way to see the year out. Everyone’s behaving, and everything went really well,” he said.
“Our presence makes it easier and safer for everyone, especially with the wet weather.”
The route started at the Sale Clocktower at 9am, then the riders rode through Rosedale, Heyfield, Tinamba, Boisdale and arrived at the Maffra Vehicle Collection at 11am. The riders stayed there for an hour before heading back to Sale and distributing gifts.
Many riders only joined the event during the final Maffra to Sale stretch, like Darren Kennedy, who brought two cars: a 1929 DeSoto and a 1974 MGB that was originally owned by his Dad, Ian Kennedy.
Ian Kennedy helped begin the annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run, but he, along with his wife, died in a car crash six years ago.
“Dad helped organise rides and rallies in Maffra for 40-odd years, and when Mum and Dad passed away, we were asked if we’d like to change the name, but we kept it as the Keith Hamilton toy run because that’s what Dad wanted it to be,” he said.
Also joining was Keith Hamilton’s son and motorbike rider Bill Hamilton.
He and his daughter Tahlia rode a restored 1912 Rex with a custom wicker basket.
“My father was a great man, and he lives on in this rally today,” he said.
“He loved bikes, and this Rex is one of the bikes he restored. But he restored so many others, I couldn’t imagine how many bikes he actually restored.”
The toys were collected throughout the year at drop-off points by club members like Robert Chubbs. He was responsible for the Rosedale pickup point in Del Jardin and rode into Sale with a trailer that was full of toys.
He was riding a 2000 nice trike that was made in Sydney.
“I do it for fun and also to know that I can do something at Christmas that gives back to the community,” he said.
“Every year I’ve done it, I’ve had a full trailer.”
All donated items will go to Salvation Army and St Vinnies in Sale, said Mr Young.
“We divide the toys up equally because we literally cut the total in half, and they will then go to families in Gippsland that need it,” said Mr Young.
Rainy weather didn’t stop the event.
Bill Hamilton and his family.
Darren Kennedy put tinsel around his 1929 DeSoto.
Robert Chubbs checks out his toy haul.
Some of the bikes at the Toy Run.
