‘Angels’ on two wheels: Riders collect 300 presents

This year Santa is not a jolly old man in a red suit, but a leather-clad motorcyclist named Smiley

Cooper Hickey, 7, with one of the 300 gifts collected in the Mackay Sons of the Southern Cross toy drive on Saturday December 5. Picture: Zizi Averill

FOR 300 Mackay kids Santa is not a jolly old man in a red suit, but a leather-clad motorcyclist named Smiley.

Sons of the Southern Cross national president Ken ‘Smiley’ Hyde said this year’s toy run had collected more than 300 toys for underprivileged children in the region.

Mr Hyde said the annual charity event was not only a great way to give back, but also a chance to reform the scary stereotype of the motorcyclists.

“It’s been running every year for as long as I can remember,” he said.

“The kids love it … they get a buzz from what we do.

“All the kids wave to the boys on the bikes.

“It’s good for the town.”

National president Ken 'Smiley' Hyde at the Mackay Sons of the Southern Cross toy drive on Saturday December 5. Picture: Zizi Averill

Read more:

‘Original gangster’ ballet teacher bounces back from COVID

Fireys warning over deadly Christmas decorations

$250,000 boost to bring back shows in 2021

More than 150 riders left the Peel St Harley Davidson store for the open road for a 90km ride from Mackay to Eton and round to Homebush on Saturday.

Mr Hyde said the ‘ticket price’ was an unwrapped new toy for the Salvation army collection, but many businesses and community members also brought gifts to the toy drive.

Paisley Turnbull, 4, with two of the 300 toys collected by the Mackay Sons of the Southern Cross toy drive on Saturday December 5. Picture: Zizi Averill

“People are looking on the charity organisations to help out,” Mr Hyde said.

“With COVID, a lot of parents will have lost work.

“There’s kids that will miss out at Christmas.”

Subscriber benefits:

Your daily dose of Harry Bruce cartoons

Five ways to get more from your digital subscription

WATCH: Your guide to reading the Daily Mercury online

Salvation Army soldier Arthur Goode and Mackay Sons of the Southern Cross national president Ken 'Smiley' Hyde at the club's toy drive on Saturday December 5. Picture: Zizi Averill

The Salvation Army soldier Arthur Goode said the riders were as generous as Santa, if he rode a Harley and not a sleigh.

“We’re the elves.” Mr Goode joked.

“The wife and I send them out and pack them up.

“But they’re the angels.”

Originally published as