11th December, 2009

FAYE MICHELSON

Ian Dearing is an imposing figure with an impressive beard and arms covered in tattoos, often seen astride a gleaming Yamaha XS 1600 Road Star.

He is passionate about his bikes, and he's passionate about his faith. Ian is the Salvation Army officer (minister), along with his wife, Deidre, at the Salvos' corps (church) in Geraldton, Western Australia.

Ian Dearing on his bike. "We have riders who belong to different clubs come along, as well as people who usually just ride their bikes to work and home again. It's an opportunity for them to get out for a ride in a safe environment; they have a great time." - Ian Dearing

On Saturday, 12th December, he will combine both passions, getting out of his uniform and on to his bike to take part in the annual Geraldton Christmas toy run to collect toys for families in need.

"The toy run has been going for about 15 years, run predominantly by the Ulysses Motorcycle Club,'" says Ian, who has attended the past three Geraldton toy runs.

"It's grown over the past couple of years. Last year we had 142 riders; this year we're hoping to get more than 200."

The only prerequisite to join the event is that you must be on a motorcycle and you must bring a toy for the Salvos Christmas Appeal. Ian says the procession of bikes burbling along the highway creates a real 'buzz' in the community.

"We have riders who belong to different clubs come along, as well as people who usually just ride their bikes to work and home again. It's an opportunity for them to get out for a ride in a safe environment; they have a great time," he says.

The riders will leave from the centre of town, ride up the highway for about 10km, and then ride back along the foreshore. This year they will also be joined by some of the local 'posties' on their postal bikes.

And don't be surprised if some of the motorcycles are tinselled up for the occasion. There are prizes to be won for the best decorated motorcycle, to be judged by Mayor Ian Carpenter.

"At the end of the ride, there's a real party atmosphere," Ian says.

"We get together for a sausage sizzle and there's music. Our local Centro Shopping Centre is sponsoring us, local radio station WA FM will bring along its 'Thundercar' with lots of free giveaways, and we will also have local TV personality 'Dooper Dog' there for the kids.'

The Geraldton Corps distributes the toys donated on the run, with Ian hoping for around 150 toys to give out to local families in need.

"We encourage people to donate toys the kids can play with, such as balls, cricket bats and so on. I've seen some great musical instruments made out of wood-drums, shakers and maracas, so I think I'll be buying something like that for my donation," Ian says.

Many similar events are held around the country in the lead-up to Christmas to collect toys. Ian says he's been on a few toy runs over the years, and (at the time the interview was conducted), was hoping to take part in the 34th annual Perth Bikers' Charity Ride - the longest running event of its kind - run on 5th December.

"I started riding bikes as a young fellow, so I've been riding for about 38 years. I've always had fairly large bikes-I love the sound of them-and I love being able to get out by myself and cruise around," he says, adding with a laugh that the duco on his bike gleams because it's 'nice to polish up'.

And how do other bikers respond to him being a Salvation Army officer?

"They don't treat me any differently to anyone else," he says.

Contact your local Salvation Army to find out how to donate toys to a needy family this Christmas.

This article was first published in the Salvation Army publication, Warcry.