The ladies were only advised a few weeks ago about the run and decided to use their knitting skills to help those children who may not get much this Christmas.

They have made a number of toys and teddy-bears already for the run, and continue to knit as much as they can with a kangaroo, bear and camel almost finished.

The group have made knitted toys for a number of groups and sold a few boxes full during the Pioneer House fete.

Their next project will be the Senior Citizen Craft Fair during March in 2010.

This is the first time the group has made toys for the toy and poker run.

Residents called on to provide their toys

By LYNN PINKERTON

Residents are being called to provide toys for this year’s Mudgee District Bikers Poker and Toy Run on again on Saturday, November 28.

The toy run aims to provide funds and toys for the local Salvation Army, enabling them to help families who are doing it tough over the Christmas period.

This year will be the 25th toy run, and organisers are busy with preparations.

Again residents were urged to participate and assist in donating a toy for a needy child to unwrap at Christmas time.

Toys can be left at Mudgee Kawasaki or Gulgong Stock and Rural.

Run organiser Toni Wood said for the second year the group had produced a calendar and there were also raffles to be drawn on the day.

“This year we have a calender for sale with photos from the last 25 years of toy runs. They are available at Mudgee Kawasaki, Mudgee Honda Centre and Mudgee Tourist Officer for $20 each.

“We are also holding a raffle and tickets are available on the day or at Mudgee Country Gardens from Wednesday to Friday,” Ms Wood said.

Prizes in the raffle include a $200 petrol voucher from Morgans’ Service Station, a grocery and toy hamper from Woolworths and a battery drill from Petries Mitre 10.

The toy run first started in 1984 with nine bikes and money raised through a street stall selling cakes and raffle tickets.

Only a few hundred dollars was raised for the Salvation Army.

“Since then it has grown each year. In the 90s it became a poker run and bike show and in the last few years we have added classic cars.

“We have been nominated several times and won once the community event of the year award,” Ms Wood said.

Last year was the organisations biggest run, with 200 bikes participating and over $5000 raised for the Salvation Army.