Motorcycle Riders Association of SA

MRASA Toy Run - Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the Motorcycle Riders' Association of South Australia (MRASA) Adelaide Toy Run. These questions and answers are specifically designed for the 2022 event.

Who runs the Adelaide Toy Run event?
The event has been run by the by the Motorcycle Riders' Association of South Australia Inc. since 1978. The Toy Run Committee are all members of the MRASA and volunteer their time to organise the event. On the weekend of the event MRASA members and supporters of the Toy Run volunteer their time to help set up and pull down the Callington side of things, act as traffic marshals, parking marshals and general helpers to make the day run smoothly ensure that everyone has a good time.

When and where is the Toy Run being held this year?
The MRASA Toy Run will be held on Sunday 11th December 2022. Riders can start to assemble at the Victoria Park Motorsport track from 8.00am. Santa will arrive at approximately 10.15am and then lead the cavalcade of motorcycles departing at 11.00am to Callington, for the funfair and motorcycle display.

Please enter the track from Wakefield St Eastern gates and follow the directions of our marshals for toy drop off points and assembly area.

What should I bring as a donation?
Bring any or all of the following.

Vinnies need:

New, unwrapped toys (We get lots of stuff for the littlies, but not so much for the older kids.
Think of the 10-14 age group, and what might they like
Cash donations
Gift vouchers
Non perishable foodstuffs. For example - cans, boxes and packets which can be stored in a cupboard and won't go off.

Toy suggestions are:

Sporting equipment ie footballs, cricket sets, basketballs
Games ie monopoly, scrabble, card games , video games etc
Books - reading books, picture books, game books
Dressup packs and make up kits
Hobby kits for music, art etc.

Please do not bring:

Soft Toys (we always get more than we can hand out)
Wrapped Toys (they will just get unwrapped so we can see what it is)
Used Toys (Think about what your child would want)
Perishable food (Anything that needs refrigeration or has a short shelf life)

Also think about how you carry the toys on your motorbike. Toys occy strapped to the bike get crushed or dirtied and sometimes get burned by the exhaust. Toys carried inside your jacket get all smelly and sweaty, especially on a hot day and don't make suitable presents.

Can I donate used toys?
Generally no. Toys have to be new or as-new. Think about what you would want your own kids to get at Christmas.

If I cannot make it on the day can I still donate?
Yes. Take your donations to any Vinnies' store and tell them it is for the Toy Run.

Will there still be a Toy Run ride?
YES - the ride is back for 2022. Rider assembly is at Victoria Park Motorsport Track from 8.00am. Santa will lead the the ride departing at 11.00am and head of on the usual route of Hutt St, Glen Osmond Road and the Freeway to Callington. Let us make this ride the biggest, brightest and loudest to celebrate the return of the massed MRASA Toy Run Ride.

Will there be stalls at the Victoria Park?
Yes There will be stalls onsite. At Victoria Park we will have coffee vans, a BBQ with food and drinks, as well as SAPOL and Dept of Transport with road safety information and give away items. Callington will have the usual full compliment of food and drink stalls as well as entertainment.

FOR THE FIRST TIME VINNIES will have their major toy collection point at Victoria Park in an effort to reduce possible toy damage,and to make your ride easier without having to worry about toys strapped on your bike. There will be a reduced size toy collection point at Callington if you cannot donate at Victoria Park.

Toy run badges and other MRASA merchandise will be available from the MRASA stall at both Victoria Park and Callington. You can also prepay your entry onto Callington oval at Victoria Park. Cash and EFTPOS accepted.

Will there be a Show and Shine this year?
Yes the Show and Shine will be on this year, so polish your bike to take part in the competition. You can pre register for the event or enter on the day. As in the past, the selected bike will receive a trophy and an everlasting place in Toy Run history.

What are the COVID 19 contract tracing requirements?
In line with existing Covid 19 requirements YOU WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR CONTACT TRACING PURPOSES.

Do I have to register to join the Toy Run?
Registration is not necessary. Just rock up and join in.

I ride a scooter, can I join the Toy Run?
Yes. All PTWs (Powered Two Wheelers) and trikes are welcome.

What are the rules of the Run?
Ride safely, obey the road rules, do what the marshals tell you and don't throw lollies to or high five the kids along the way. It's not safe for them.

How much does it cost to join the Toy Run?
The 'drop and go' at Victoria Park is free.

What if I don't or can't ride. Can I still take part?
Yes. You can visit a donation centre or attend the 'drop and go' at Victoria park. However you get there is up to you.

Is the Toy Run only for motorcyclists?
No. We encourage members of the non-riding public to come along and see a little bit of what we enjoy about the motorcycling lifestyle.

Can I bring my dog or other pet to the Toy Run?
No. Do not bring a dog to the Toy Run, they are a risk to others, especially children.

I don't live in Adelaide, where is my nearest Toy Run?
Check the MRASA Toy Run page We will try to get a comprehensive listing of all South Australian Toy Runs posted.

What happens to the money raised and Toys collected on the day?
All Toys and cash donations made to the Vinnies (The Vincent de Paul Society) on the day go towards gift packs and hampers for families in need over Christmas.

How do I volunteer to help out the Toy Run?
Call Cathy on 0408 853 380 or send us an email via the MRASA Email page

When were the first Toy Runs held in Australia?
The first Toy Runs in Australia were held by MRA Victoria (1978), MRA South Australia (1979) and MRA Tasmania (1980).