Members of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club might look like a pack of intimidating bikers as they roar up the road, but they wear their hearts right next to the patches on their sleeves.
The not-for-profit organisation is made up of firefighters, former firefighters and their families, and has put on all manner of fundraisers that are not often associated with motorcycling culture, such as opera events and high teas.
“That’s what we like doing,” the club’s Chapter 14 president, Colin Consiglio, said.
“By doing that we can raise money and give it to the community.”
This December, their focus will be on supporting people during the festive period in heartwarming ways.
First up, is a toy run.
They will set out at 9.30am on December 6 from the Port of Echuca after an 8am egg and bacon breakfast.
Stopping at Tongala, Kyabram, Rushworth (where they will have lunch), Colbinabbin, and finishing in Rochester, they will collect toys, food and money for the disadvantaged at Christmas.
Local Bendigo Bank branches in the towns will have boxes for donations, while other boxes can be found at other various places on the route.
“All the money raised will go to the Salvation Army,” Mr Consiglio said.
Once the loot is secured, their focus will shift to putting on a free Christmas lunch in Rushworth’s old senior citizens’ building.
Mr Consiglio said people could come alone or bring their family or a friend on December 25.
“You could be young, elderly, anyone — it’s not just for the disadvantaged,” he said.
“We don’t care if you’ve got enough to cook your own lunch. If you’ve got no-one to share it with, what’s the point?”
Mr Consiglio said he hoped there would be a real community atmosphere on Christmas Day, with music, children’s activities and a three-course meal with traditional Christmas food for all.
“There will be three different entrees, including seafood, four different hot roast meats, eight different vegetables, pudding, trifle and pav for dessert,” he said.
Leftover food from the day will be immediately packaged up into individual serves and donated to the Rushworth Food Bank across the road from the venue.
For catering purposes, however, bookings are essential.
You can book by visiting or phoning Rushworth Bendigo Bank, Rushworth Op Shop or Rushworth Food Bank.
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