Riders Supporting Kids: The motorcycle club on a mission to raise money for children's toys

They're born to be wild, but philanthropy is the force behind a lower North Island motorcycle club on a mission to raise money for children's toys, and support tamariki.

The patches displayed by this club's riders proudly carry their club name - RiSK. It stands for Riders Supporting Kids, and its founder says his own upbringing is behind his determined drive.

"Growing up I saw that there was a real hole for some kids in the community and there was just nobody there for them," said president Steve Curtis.

"That was something I wanted to pick up so they don't go down the roads to the gangs and that sort of thing."

The 54-year-old spent time in state care, in Epuni Boys' Home, and said he knew what it was like to feel let down.

So, he and his late wife, Jolene, took action - founding the motorcycle club and an annual toy run where people donate gifts for children who need them.

"Jolene and I founded this club five years ago in February and the toy run was an idea that she and I came up with together.

"She passed away in July last year, so since then I've just put my nose down and dedicated carrying this toy run on and RiSK on as far as I can, to see where we can go with it," Curtis said.

Jolene died of heart failure, but even then made a difference as an organ donor.

Part of the club's work is partnering with children's charity Barnardos Aotearoa, which distributes toys from the toy run and has also matched the club with a young man who's become a member.

"We do a bit of mentoring at the moment with a young local boy, Carter. He's been the first. He's come on and helped with sausage sizzles and all that sort of thing.

"His attitude at school has changed and he's doing really well, so we're looking at extending that."

New friendship 'means a lot'

When RNZ met 9-year-old Carter Harbers at his Palmerston North home, he was keen to show off his club patches, including one marking the $1000 he's raised for the club's efforts.

"My mum really got me in it. Barnardos came with Steve and we talked about me getting in the club," Carter said.

"I love riding motorbikes. At my dad's we've got go karts and motorbikes, and I'm really good at riding."

Carter's been riding bikes since he was three - an interest he shares with club members such as Curtis.

"He's really really kind. He's a good leader for the club... They came to my birthday and took all my friends on their bikes."

Carter's mum Brooke said she appreciated the club's values and what they could teach her son.

"They all make it very clear that if he needs them then they're there as well. That's quite beautiful for us to know," she said.

"Just randomly we'll get a message for them checking in on us. It means a lot to know there's people out there thinking of Carter and us as well."

That includes watching Carter play football and do kapa haka.

Barnardos' regional operations manager for early learning, Hayley Vinten, said its connection with RiSK began when the club asked for help to find homes for toys leftover after its first toy run.

"When we met with Steve it was quite clear we shared the same mission," she said.

"When we worked with Steve and RiSK, as our relationship built, we realised there's more than the toy run here. Steve has a real focus on tamariki and rangatahi. He really believes that they should be supported."

This year toys will go to families around New Zealand.

Club offers support

Curtis said some of the club's work was just about being there for a young person.

"We also have a 'get out of jail free card' that we give out to kids as well. That's basically if you get into trouble then you can give us a call and we'll work as an advocate to talk with your parents, or with you with the police, just so you've got somebody there who's backing you up.

"That's open to any child who gives us a call."

Those cards get cashed in, too.

"I actually had a 17-year-old involved in a police chase in Palmerston North. I run the holiday park. They actually led the police straight to my gate because they knew I'd look after them."

It's an approach that's attracted more than 20 members to the club.

"It just strikes a chord. It's the right thing to do. I picked up the name Rabbi 45 years ago with my long hair and long beard, but I've grown into that terminology too," said club member Keith "Rabbi" Klein.

"I like the RiSK traditions and their morals and values, and what they try to achieve - just riding for the course and still getting that brotherhood and MC tradition," said Logan Kennedy.

Dan Drummond added that he remembered the guilt he felt as a child when he received a toy that he didn't like, but he didn't want to say anything, so he was determined to make sure others didn't face that.

And the club's focus is now on its toy run on Sunday, 22 November.

That's the final drive for toys, but the club's been collecting them all year, filling a lock up with donations that will soon make their way out as presents to children who otherwise might miss out.

These include push bikes to give away on the day and a couple of dirt bikes that are prizes. Curtis was keen to thank The Warehouse, Toyworld, Bisset Honda in Pahīatua and Honda Horowhenua for their donations.

"We've got nearly $20,000 worth of toys sitting in the storage shed, plus we've got another $12,000 to $13,000 sitting in the bank so we can go shopping, plus we'll probably collect up to another $10,000 worth of toys on the day.

"We're aiming for $50,000 worth of toys."

The toy run leaves from The Warehouse Palmerston North at 10am and travels down the Kāpiti Coast to Mana and back.

The cost of entry is a toy, which must be worth at least $30, for redistribution.