More than 30 bikers of nine different clubs joined forces to bring smiles and Christmas cheer to the children of Allanridge.
On 2 December the Christmas Charity Run Biker Mice Town – Project Tandmuis collaborated with Ablaze MCC to unite the children and the bikers for an afternoon for a church service, followed by an afternoon of fun and games.
“When we decide to do a charity run, it’s not always a clear ride – and we cannot help every child. But for the 33 children in Allanridge we have become like family, and over the years our get-togethers are like big reunions,” says Alida Hiles, the founder of the Project Tandmuis.
“We have formed a bond with these children and most of them we have helped the last couple of years. We try to be there for them and they know we are coming back. You can see the recognition in their faces when they see us.”
Hiles says each child has a special place in the hearts of the bikers.
“People have a misconception that bikers are rough and always looking for trouble, but that is wrong; bikers have good hearts. The kids at the NG kerk at Allanridge relay a message to us bikers that melts our hearts,” says Hiles.
The day of the visit was extremely hot and the children patiently waited for Father Christmas (Kyle William Henry Hiles) and for Miss Claus (Crystal Cyrus Hoffstaetter) to arrive on Santa’s bike with the other bikers.
“You could see the excitement of the kiddies when they entered,” says Hiles.
Then Santa, Miss Claus and the head elf and his other helpers handed out sweets, and the bikers gathered around to give the children personal attention.
“Overall there was a good festive vibe and smiles all around. Later we all entered the church hall, and opened the proceedings with a prayer. The children sang and danced for us.
“Father Christmas and Miss Claus, with the help of the head elf, Oelie, and other helpers, then handed out goodies to the children who also had the opportunity of sitting on Santa’s lap.”
The clubs present included GMA, Horison, Ulysses, Ablaze, Rebel Conspiracy, Speed Freaks, Mega Force, CMA, United Eagles, Pastor Brett and Tandmuis.
There were also individual bikers who do not belong to clubs.
