By Matthew Sims
Pakenham locals are encouraged to dig deep ahead of this Christmas to help families across the area get the most out of the holiday season.
Supported by Cardinia Men’s Shed, Cardinia Council, Living Learning Pakenham, Orana and Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army Pakenham, the Pakenham Motorcycle Riders group is hosting the first ‘Toy Run’ event in Pakenham.
The Salvation Army in Pakenham is accepting donations of new and unwrapped toys and non-perishable food, as well as any cash donations, with this year’s Red Shield Appeal donations contributing to a shower and laundry facility built at the local site in Pakenham.
Members of the Pakenham Motorcycle Riders group are then gearing up to assemble at BP Officer Outbound on Saturday 16 December before trekking to Living Learning Pakenham, where the best dressed rider, best decorated bike and people’s choice awards will be presented from 11.30am.
Usually held by the Victorian Motorcycle Council across Melbourne, Pakenham Motorcycle Riders group member Chris Baker said this year, the team wants to share the Christmas joy locally.
“I already have six pallets of toys,” he said.
“We’ll have about 100 bikes on the ride.
“There will be family entertainment, rides, music, food and coffee trucks, along with displays by local community groups such as Living Learning Pakenham and the Cardinia Men’s Shed.”
For more information on how to support the event, contact Chris Baker on 0402 454 879.
To donate directly to The Salvation Army Pakenham, visit community.salvationarmy.org.au/o/pakenham-salvos
