Car buffs gear up for charity cruise

The Tauranga Toy Run featuring hot rods and classic cars is set to roll through Tauranga, ending with a free car show at Fraser Cove Shopping Centre.

On Wednesday more than 200 cars will travel from Baypark Stadium to Fraser Cove for the 9th annual event, which raises money for Waipuna Hospice and Kids' Cancer Tauranga.

One of the organisers, Jill deBuisson, said the toy run was one of the country's only hot rod events which saw 100 per cent of the funds raised donated to charity.

To support the Tauranga Toy Run, the public can donate new toys or make a cash donation.

Mrs deBuisson said donated toys must be new and would go to Kids' Cancer Tauranga. Cash donations would go to Waipuna Hospice.

The event is organised by a group of friends who have been involved with hot rodding and similar events in and around Tauranga for more than 15 years.

"Many of us have lost family members with cancer so we wanted to support our own town,'' Mrs deBuisson said.

Hot rods, street cars and classic cars can take part in the parade, however no Japanese cars are allowed.

To take part, vehicles must be registered and warranted and can turn up at Baypark Stadium at 6pm on December 5.

The cruise will depart at 6.30pm and head to Papamoa before travelling along the beachfront towards downtown Mt Maunganui.

The route will then head over the Harbour Bridge and along Devonport Rd towards Fraser Cove, where the cars will provide a free public display from about 7.15pm.

The event has grown each year and organisers are expecting cars and enthusiasts from all over the North Island.