Once again, the Salvation Army is hosting the annual road trip on Saturday to raise funds and round up toys to make a difference to a child at Christmas. The fee per person is $40. Event co-ordinator, Rob Tickle said every kind of vehicle is welcome to join.

Participants are invited to gather at the Salvation Army citadel at 8am for registration and a free breakfast barbecue. Also included in the registration fee are a t-shirt, badge, lunch and the poker run.

The route will take riders and drivers to Glen Innes, and lunch at Deepwater. Then it is back on the road to Tenterfield, Ashford and back home again.

“We want to get on a ride and go,” Rob said.

Trisha and Ray Harrison at Wade Street Shop have sweetened the pot this year.

“There’s also a wheelbarrow full of groceries at Wade Street (Shop); that’s a bit of a raffle going on,” Rob said. 

All funds raised will help out local families for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

“I need to stipulate that all funds raised stay in Inverell,” Rob said.

“I’d like to see the local support, ‘cause you never know when you’ll need the Salvos,” Ray Harrison said.

Rob said the town has a population of people in deep need, coping with unemployment or addiction, without a vehicle or a license to drive. 

“It’s just unfortunate that some people that some of these decisions, affect their whole life. And people have these addictions that they can’t get rid of, and so the kids suffer; the children suffer,” he said.

Rob said you don’t have to join the Toy Run to give a toy or a donation. Those with something to give can stop into the Family Store on Otho Street or at the Toy Run on Saturday morning with their gift.