Sapped! Spirit leads him on

By Bridget Brady
WHEN John Smollen rallied 80 bikies to deliver toys for children eight years ago, he never dreamt to expect 500 people to gather at the Frankston pier car park this year.
This year the Peninsula Toy Run will take place on 6 December and Mr Smollen said he expected 500 people on a range of different motorbikes to turn up for the event.
The Pearcedale resident is the founder and sole organiser of the toy run, an annual charity event that draws motorbike enthusiasts from near and far.
Participants gather at the Frankston pier in December with new toys and non-perishable food items on the back of their bikes and ride to Rosebud.
The toys and food are used in hampers and delivered to needy families and children for Christmas.
For giving up his time and efforts to organise the event, Mr Smollen, 73, has been nominated for an award called Have you got the Spirit.
The award was established to recognise the achievements of adults over the age of 45, and Mr Smollen is in the running to win a luxury trip to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania.
Mr Smollen said he was starting to feel the strain of organising the event, but enjoyed it too much to stop.
“Just the joy of seeing more and more people getting there every year is so rewarding,”
“After the toy run I have to sit down for a couple of days because I’m exhausted but I will be doing this for as long as the good Lord keeps me on earth.”
Mr Smollen, a member of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club, said the increased number of participants since the event started was “out of this world.”
“When it first started, I sent out fliers and gave one to every motorbike rider I saw and it has just grown from there. It is unbelievable.”
Mr Smollen said his wife, Maureen, helped him with the organising. “We have a few heated moments, but it runs smoothly.”
“I’m proud of it now, I get a very good response and support from locals.”
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes for the ride.
“We have a few stops on the way and prizes available.”
Mr Smollen said anyone was welcome to turn up about 8am on the day and participate in the ride.
“There are lots of things that people can do to help someone and it doesn’t cost a lot,” he said.