Motorbike enthusiasts of all ages took off from the Department of Primary Industries building at about 2pm bearing gifts for those who would otherwise go without this Christmas. 

Teddy bears, chocolate, games and gadgets were handed over to the Salvation Army by about 70 riders on 45 bikes to give to struggling Orange families. 

One of the youngest riders, 11-year-old Will Barrett, said he felt lucky he would be able to make another child’s Christmas a little bit brighter all the while having a great time himself on the back of his great uncle Wayne’s Harley. 

“It was really good, I liked everything and it was really loud,” he said. 

Salvation Army secretary Diane Cooper said the gifts would remain in Orange to help hundreds of families who seek assistance at the Orange Salvation Army building. 

“For me it is seeing the smiles on the mums and dads’ faces when you hand them a bag of gifts for their children on Christmas,” she said.

Karen and Robert Fuller organise the Ulysses and automotive enthusiasts’ toy run every year and were grateful to everyone who made it out for the ride from Kite Street to the Northern Distributor, down Burrendong Way and to the Robin Hood. 

“It’s just to support the Salvation Army with all the work they do and to make some kids happy on Christmas,” Mrs Fuller said. 

Bayley Summerfield, 11, spent a great deal of time thinking about what sort of present he wanted to give a child for Christmas. 

He settled on a slip and slide and an M and M dispenser. 

“I think it’s a great present for boys or girls,” he said.

Joel Woods was excited to get his custom-made sunglasses out, get the wind in his hair and jump on board with his dad Tim to have a great father-son day and “make another kid happy”.

nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au