The timing of the yearly Blanket Run could not have been better, as the cold of winter sets in across the Cape Flats.
Recently a group of big-hearted bikers went all out to bring warmth to our communities who most need it.
Bobby Nitro spoke to Emil Lawrence, vice-president of the Christian Motorcycle Association Cape Town and convener of the Blanket Run.
He says: “The annual blanket run is an institution, formed for the express purpose of collecting donations of blankets, as well as monetary donations to buy blankets, for the needy in and around Cape Town.”
When it comes to bikers, there’s a certain stereotype that needs to be gotten out of the way.
“We may be all leather and tattoos, but we’re definitely not a bunch of hooligans as perceptions may go.”
The event started about 15 years ago when the CMA’s Boland chapter saw the need for blankets in their area. Then president of the Boland, Pastor Esri Malan, created an event with the intention of bringing bikers and their families together to donate a blanket or two.
Emil says: “The Boland chapter was dissolved about six years ago and the collection of these much needed blankets took a huge dip. I started heading up the planning of the event four years ago. Year one was a huge challenge. The event has, however, grown from strength to strength by God’s grace, the help of the Blanket Run Committee and the phenomenal support of the biking fraternity, car clubs and the public.
This year, more than 100 bike and car clubs were represented on the day. Bike clubs were represented by, among others, Swallows, Universal Riders (who collected the most blankets by a bike club for the fourth year running), Strawdogs, Crusaders, Garden Boyz, Khasi Riders, Bravehearts, Easy Rider Old Boys, Freedom Riders and The Clique.
Car clubs included Toyota Owners Club, Cape Town Street Rods, X-men, three Subaru clubs under one banner, VW Lady Owners and Swift Crew.
The blankets are donated to more than two dozen beneficiaries, including children’s homes, old age homes, and organisations which engage with those less fortunate in our communities. Blankets even find their way to the homeless through random blanket drops in the streets of various towns.
Bobby also wanted know about the gees of the biking culture in Cape Town.
“There is a definite bond of brother- [and sisterhood] among Cape Town bikers. This is greatly due to the awesome work and long hours that the members of the Motorcycle Association Western Cape put into ensuring that affiliated clubs operate as one unit under this banner.”
As for that stereotype, it seems this biking culture is one of generosity, compassion and respect.
“We’re all just real softies with huge hearts,” says Emil.