Only two weeks remain for the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2025, and kind-hearted bikers have made their usual Christmas toy run.
They endured poor weather conditions, road closures, and the closure of the Blackwall Tunnel to deliver hundreds of toys to the appeal organisers, Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA).
Organiser John Pryke said the riders came together at Triumph East London headquarters in Romford to kickstart the event.
Triumph East London had been collecting new toys, delivering them in two car loads.
John said: “The appeal is so important to young people in Newham and we have been happy to lend our support.
“We always get a great welcome at AAA and are happy to support the campaign.”
The motorcyclists travelled around Essex and east London, collecting toys and more bikers as they went.
Their run contributed more than 300 new toys to the appeal.
AAA chief executive Jonny Boux showed appreciation for the bikers, telling them: “We have deprivation really hitting young people hard and your incredible efforts have been simply magnificent. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The effort was supported by the Riders Who Want To Make A Difference group.
Six large boxes of toys have also arrived from The Fence Club Charity, long-time advocates of the appeal.
The charity was established by toy trade members back in 1950, with the mission to help sick, disabled, and disadvantaged children.
Their contribution, along with the bikers’ run, came at a crucial time for the appeal, which is run in conjunction with the Recorder.
However, there is still much more to be done, and the appeal organisers are calling for the community’s continued support.
They have set up a specific appeal gift list on Amazon – amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3KOW2QDDVQZ3P?ref_=wl_share – which includes suggested gifts for various ages and price levels.
Every purchase made from this list will be directly delivered to the appeal.
Cash gifts are also welcomed and will be transformed into gifts to fill up Christmas stockings for the less privileged.
Donations of gifts and cash can be made via the appeal’s Just Giving site, www.justgiving.com/campaign/xmasappeal25.
AAA will keep a record of all gifts and donations received and will share the difference they made to the community’s disadvantaged, vulnerable, and at-risk children after Christmas.
In-person donations can also be made at the Terence Brown Arc In The Park, in Bethell Avenue, Canning Town, between the hours of 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.
The appeal will feature in the weekly Recorder and on AAA’s social media accounts.
