Riders deliver joy

4 DECEMBER 2025

Forget the reindeer

An army of two-wheeled Santa Clauses unite for this tradition, and CSNSW is proud to ride alongside them. These riders know a thing or two about who’s been naughty or nice - they spend their working hours helping keep the community safe - but nothing revs up their hearts like seeing the excitement on young faces when they drop sleigh bags full of gifts to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

“The CSNSW Remembrance Day Motorcycle Ride is, at its core, about honouring the colleagues we’ve lost, people who served with courage and who cared deeply for the community,” Remembrance Day Motorcycle Ride Committee Member Joshua Hamade said.

“The toy run to Westmead grew from that same spirit and gives us a way to turn our remembrance into something real and meaningful.”

A fitting finale

This final ride is the generous conclusion to the CSNSW Remembrance Day Motorcycle Ride – a run held to commemorate fallen colleagues, correctional officers and staff who have been killed while serving the community or who have passed away after a lifetime of service.

“The Remembrance Ride is about honouring those who served and continuing their spirit of giving,” Governor, Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre, Patrick Aboud said.

“Supporting the Children’s Hospital at Westmead reflects our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

For many riders, this is the part of the day that brings everything together. It finishes the ride on a note of kindness and purpose, reminding them why they serve in the first place. And thanks to these riders, those toys will keep bringing joy long after the tinsel is packed away.

“When we arrive at Westmead with bags of toys, it’s never just about delivering gifts,” Josh explains.

“It’s about continuing the values our fallen lived by. Service, compassion and looking out for people who need support. It isn’t simply a charitable gesture. It’s a tribute to those we’ve lost and a reminder that their legacy continues through us - in every ride we take, every partnership we build and every smile we’re able to bring to a child’s face.”

Helping bring smiles all year

The riders deliver enough toys to make sure there is one for every day of the year – because the hospital is busy 365 days a year.

“The incredible generosity of the riders and Corrective Services NSW is very much appreciated by all of us at the Children’s Hospital. Having our cupboards full allows us to give a gift to our young patients, and even their siblings who are often sad and worried as well,” the Children’s Hospital Chaplain Rowena Russell said.

“Many patients spend other special days in hospital and it means so much that we can make them feel a little bit better with a new game or toy.”

This ride isn’t just about tradition, it’s about impact. By turning remembrance into action, CSNSW riders ensure hospital cupboards stay stocked and children facing tough days have something to brighten their stay. It’s a practical way to honour those we’ve lost and keep their values alive in the community.