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Riders rev up to bring Christmas cheer in Geraldton Salvation Army Toy Run

Headshot of Adam Poulsen
Adam PoulsenGeraldton Guardian
Salvation Army Lieutenant Shannon Watson, second from right, is joined by Ulysses Club members preparing for Saturday’s Salvation Army Toy Run.
Camera IconSalvation Army Lieutenant Shannon Watson, second from right, is joined by Ulysses Club members preparing for Saturday’s Salvation Army Toy Run. Credit: Gary Warner

A band of motorcyclists will parade through Geraldton with presents strapped to their bikes this weekend to raise Christmas cheer for disadvantaged children.

The ride on Saturday is part of the Salvation Army Toy Run, an event held annually across Australia for the past 40 years.

In Geraldton, it is co-ordinated by the local chapter of the Ulysses Club, a social club for motorcyclists aged 40 and over.

Club member Peter Moore said the event usually attracted about 100 riders and was not restricted to motorcyclists.

“All types of bikes including scooters are welcome, and you don’t have to be a club member,” he said.

Participants will meet next to Woolworths Caltex on Cathedral Avenue at 9am, leaving at 10am on a police-escorted ride through town, which is expected to pass through Marine Terrace about 11am.

Their speed will be slightly higher than last year in some sections, to prevent the larger bikes from overheating while allowing the small scooters to keep up.

A sausage sizzle will then be held at the foreshore, where presents will be loaded onto a trailer and awards presented for best dressed bike, scooter, and Santa.

Mr Moore said members of the public were encouraged to attend and donate cash or presents.

All donations will go to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, with presents to be handed out on Christmas day.

Salvation Army Geraldton Corps Lieutenant Shannon Watson said the goal was to give presents to little ones up to about 14-year-olds.

“We try not to disappoint anyone, so when you buy a gift or two for the run, try to imagine those older faces, too,” he said.

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