Revved up for help

By Sarah Schwager
MORE than 450 motorbikes roared up the coast on Saturday donating goods and raising money for the needy in time for Christmas.
The seventh annual Peninsula Toy Run was a roaring success, with 700 people taking part in the ride from Frankston to Rosebud.
Organised by Devon Meadows’ John Smollen, the event donated food, toys and money to Food For All Christmas Giving in Rosebud, which puts together hampers for the poor and needy before Christmas.
Mr Smollen said he was very happy with the way the toy run had gone this year, with more support than ever.
“It blows me out of the water how big it has gotten,” he said.
The toy run has raised more than $10,000 so far this year.
Mr Smollen said organisers had tremendous support from the police on the day, as well as from several branches of the Ulysses Club, including the Mornington Wanderers and Shearwaters in Cranbourne, and many other local groups and businesses from around the area.
Hastings MP Neale Burgess also joined in on the ride and Frankston mayor Glenn Aitken also showed up to offer support.
Mount Erin College’s Frankston and Somerville campuses continued their support of the event by donating toys, food and money.
Mr Smollen said the day finished up nicely with a barbecue and a few raffles of donated goods after the morning tea put on earlier by Food For All.