Many local records are being broken - regarding the drought, bushfires and water shortages - but Mudgee District Toy Run have smashed their record and for all the right reasons.
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Last Friday $9,510 along with ute loads of toys, were officially gifted to the local St Vincent de Paul - the direct result of 230-plus bike riders and car enthusiasts creating an atmosphere of'giving' for the annual event.
Carol Jones, of St Vinnie's, expressed her gratitude for the the efforts of organisers, supporters, riders and drivers.
"Each year I am astounded at the good will of everyone," she said. "We all come together along with Banardo's and the Benevolent Society on a day like this with full hearts.
"We have 100 families on our list now with more also in the wings. The money raised will create vouchers for these people along with those affected by the relentless pressure of this drought.
"The Toy Run team this year asked specifically that we help this group as well from their fundraising, and what a job they have done."
Standing in a room full of toys for all ages, along with the monetary donation, brings it all home to the event organisers.
"We are just a group of friends, continuing the legacy of Carol Budd who started it all so she could give back," Jane Hanna said. "We are astounded by the support we have received.
"When the call went out that this year is about helping everyone in the community, not just an effort for Christmas, obviously has had an affect. Here we are handing over an amount of money that is $2,500 more than we have ever raised.
"We didn't do anything overly special, we asked and people gave. The whole day had a great vibe and togetherness, an amazing feeling - the end result is the best Christmas gift we could receive, especially on the Toy Run's 35th Year."
It proved to be a day of giving all round as Bylong RFS provided a barbecue lunch with the General Store in support. The incidental re-fuelling of firefighting helicopters provided entertainment and $1,100 was raised at this stop which was donated to the Bylong RFS.
Organisers were pleased with the new starting point and thank Mid-Western Regional Council for their assistance, as the car park off Short Street drew in more families to enjoy Santa when he arrived. Locals and visitors alike gave generously prior to the Toy Run heading on its way to Bylong for lunch and then Lue to conclude the day.
Lue Hotel has been a popular end to the run over the years and this time didn't disappoint. New activities such as boot throwing and joke telling were among the variety to entertain those on the ride.
The crowd was treated to an auction of different sorts, with humour and goodwill, which in turn was greatly supported raising $1,600 alone.
The last Saturday of November is the locked-in date for the Run and organisers have a Facebook page keep the community updated.
When asked if 2020 aims to be bigger and better, the response was simple."Every year we arrange the day, and the rest is up to the community as a whole - we have no expectations, just that everyone has a great day and funds are a bonus," Jane said.
