G'day all,

I was wondering why every year all the recipients seem to get is a giant mountain of cuddly toys and not much else. Sure it might be nice for a few of the really little kids, but I dont know too many kids who would be excited about getting a cute cuddly bear for Christmas!! FFS!! Cant anybody use their imagination and buy something that is actualy useful or educational, and that the kids might get many hours of fun out of like a footy or a Barbie Doll or a train set or a scooter or a Playstation Game or something that doesnt just sit on a shelf and look cute!! Sometimes I think it is just a big show for some people, and its all about who can look the coolest with the biggest stuffed toy strapped to their handle bars, instead of it being about the poor kids they are actually trying to help! I think I might stay home next year and just send in a big cash donation so the Salvation Army or Vinnies or whoever can actually buy something useful for the kids. That way I can avoid the embarrising mountain of cuteness!!

OK, I have taken my medication and finished my rant now!!!(LOL)

FXRfreak

could not agree more FXR... last couple years I spoke to organisers in Perth and Mandurah and actually too a couple games, but more importantly non-perishable food stuffs

 

- in the words of one organiser 'we take most things but what is important to remember is what good is a toy if the child goes hungry'

Your a wise man FXR, i get my early teens daughter to pick a gift she`d like and i buy it for the toy run and donate it, she buys one herself to donate with her own money. Its always a special day for us.

i always did the cute cuddle toy ....... but my saddle bags were always full of non perisherble food stuffs

i always did the cute cuddle toy ....... but my saddle bags were always full of non perisherble food stuffs

I think that rhey are a good idea, except that the boys in blue think that they are full of criminals. The local Harley dealer in Cairns did one the other year to raise money for the hospital, all different types of bikes went and they got hammered by the cops all the way. What a bunch of wankers.

yep this year we did a teddy dressed as santa but with a toy bag over it's shoulder ful of drawing stuff... balls... pirate stuff & play dough..... SWMBO loved getting it 2gether......

This year we put a large trailer inside a large Gippsland shopping centre & got a wonderful range of products (including several Barbies etc) from toys, foodstuffs & everything in between. Ran a big raffle on the day with the cash going in as well. A great success. Although you can leave me out of any future toy runs. Cheee.... the coppers (bless their little hearts)...made going slow an artform.

FXR, since your the one with all the good ideas, your "IT" for next years event

Stay upright over Chrissy..many lunatic tin tops out there at the moment...I speak from experience (today).