'What an awesome turnout it was. So many under-privileged people will be warm this winter thanks to the biking and car club community who all came out to support the Blanket Run', says Wheels24's Leigh-Ann Londt.
On June 9 2019, the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) Western Cape held its annual blanket run.
What was once an event for motorcyclists has over evolved into a huge charity among the car community.
It's amazing to see so many motoring enthusiasts give to the less fortunate and share their love for cars and bikes.
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
The 2019 Blanket Run proved to be a major success, they raised more than R10 000 and an incredible amount of blankets.
I had the privilege of speaking to one of the event organisers, Emil Lawrence, who gave me an insight into the event and their plans for the future.
Lawrence said: "Blanket run Cape Town was taken over by CMA in the year 2000, so this is the 19th year that we are running this as an organisation. It was initially just a biking event, but as you can see this has become a petrolhead event. So we gathered all the car clubs and bike clubs together."
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
He said: "There are many times where people think of us bikers and petrolheads as hooligans and racers, but our aim is to show the community that we have hearts. This year's turnout was way bigger than last year. A few more more cars than bikes, but it definitely was way bigger, and every year we have been growing."
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
I asked Emil if they would add tinned foods with their collection even though it is a blanket run, he said: "We don't want to take opportunities away from other parties or clubs who do these types of charity events.
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
"We do what we do best and that is blanket run. Yes we would want to get more involved where tinned food and things are concerned but only if the need is there.
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
"All the money collected here today, goes towards buying more blankets. Some money is put aside to cover our venue fees, public liability cover and things like that," he concluded.
Image: Wheels24 / Leigh-Ann Londt
I salute all the organisers and planners who make this event possible every year. It proves to our community that the less fortunate aren't alone and that many are willing to help. It also shows that members of car and bike clubs aren't hooligans or racers on public roads.
We participate not only to help the less fortunate but for the love and passion of our cars and bikes when we get together at these kinds of events.