August 22, 2012
Around 30 cyclists will be riding to raise money for sick children this Saturday when they set off from Sale and head across regional Victoria.
The riders are participating in the second annual Ride for Sick Kids and will be joined on the opening leg from Sale to Traralgon by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester, a keen cyclist and runner, was invited to ride a leg of the week-long event by Sale McDonalds licensee Darren Cowell who has helped co-ordinate the event.
After the Sale to Traralgon opening leg the group will continue to Warragul, Rosebud, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo before finishing at Parkville in Melbourne next Friday, August 31.
Mr Chester, who also rode in this year’s Pollie Pedal to raise money for Carers Australia, said he was looking forward to joining the group for the opening leg.
“Facilities which can support sick children and their families are critical for people in regional communities in particular,” Mr Chester said.
“Often parents face travelling significant distances to visit specialists and receive treatment and it’s always reassuring to be able to rely on facilities like Ronald McDonald House to provide care for the whole family.”
Mr Chester encouraged Gippslanders to support the event with organisers hoping to raise $300,000.
Victorian Ronald McDonald Houses in Monash and Parkville and Kessia’s Cottage on the Bellarine Peninsula will be the beneficiaries of the funds raised.
Throughout August, McDonald’s Victoria will be donating 10 cents to the cause from every large McCafé coffee ordered from participating restaurants.
To find out more about the Victorian Ride for Sick Kids or to make a donation log on to www.rideforsickkids.com.au