It is toys galore for Rotary Club of Ōamaru’s first Toyarama this weekend.

Originally planned for August, the sale of second-hand toys was shelved due to lack of goods, but that is no longer an issue, organiser Ele Ludemann said.

“I had no worries about quality because it was high from the start, but we were worried that maybe we wouldn't have enough. But we have got plenty, and a real variety,” she said. 

The idea of Toyarama came off the back of Bookarama, which has been a hugely successful fundraiser for the Rotary club over the years, raising more than $50,000 this year and last.

Ele said there was a wide selection of toys available.

“So you've got games, puzzles, dress ups, baby gear, ride-on toys, a buggy, a bath, there's even a potty-training loo.”

There are soft toys, cars - big and small, and a few collector’s items, such as hand-made teddy bears, die-cast cars, and wooden toys made and/or repaired by the local Men’s Shed, and joiner Michael Firman. 

There is also going to be a raffle for a model donated by Victor Nelson Cycles, and Lego builders at work, demonstrating their skills.

“So the whole thing. It's just a wonderful sign of how generous the community is,” Ele said.

The sale was originally going to be held in the former Noel Leeming building, and remains on Thames Street, but now where Camerons clothing store used to be.

Toyarama is this Saturday (November 25), noon until 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

And while shelves are well-stocked, the group “never say no” to more toys, Ele said.

“Because if this is a success, and with all these toys it will be, then we'll do it next year."