By: GOOD
Ride for Compassion, the largest fundraising coast-to-coast cycling event in Australia, sees cyclists and support crew take to the road to help raise money for vulnerable children living in poverty.
On Saturday, September 17, a dedicated group of cyclists and support crew set off on a gruelling 4,200 kilometres pedal across Australia, including the vast rugged terrain of the Nullarbor. The team is aiming to raise $1,000,000 for children living in poverty and see 150 children sponsored through Compassion Australia.
Each cyclist undertakes extensive training before the event, pays for their on-road costs, and raises funds for the work of Compassion. Funds raised will support children living in unthinkable circumstances, including those impacted by Covid-19 and the global food crisis.
GOOD Founder Mike Jeffs Joins the Ride
Participating this year is GOOD. founder and CEO, 70-year-old Mike Jeffs. After training to the tune of 30,000km in 2020 and 2021, Mike, a keen cyclist, attributes the success of his training regime, ironically enough, to Covid-19. Usually travelling often through the year, the pandemic restrictions have enabled Mike to dedicate himself to joining the ride.
“[Covid]… has allowed me to get bike fit, something that in a normal year would never happen, due to all my overseas travels,” Mike said. “The other significant factor is that the work and Ministry of Compassion is very near and dear to my heart and I have served on the Compassion Board for over 27 years now.”
Many other remarkable riders are also taking part this year, including 69-year-old Ross Adams who has overcome a recent life-threatening brain tumour; and Nellie Logan who wrote over 3,500 letters to children in Compassion’s sponsorship program just last year.
A Brain Tumour Hasn’t Stopped Ross
For 69-year-old Ross Adams, this ride is a particular feat of strength. After an intense surgical procedure to remove a tumour from the frontal lobe of his brain, Ross was left blind in his right eye – but this hasn’t deterred him from the challenge.
“In 2014, I discovered I had a meningioma tumour in the frontal lobe of my brain. I was told I would die if I didn’t have surgery. The tumour was successfully removed, but I currently have a second tumour on a watching brief,” says Ross. “I am blessed with the physical capacity to ride a bike for long hours, so, for me, it is the perfect way to use my gift to give children an opportunity to live.”
Despite his health struggles, including some broken bones in training for the ride, Ross says he “celebrates being alive every day” and is very much looking forward to the Ride for Compassion challenge.
Nellie Writes to 900 Compassion Children
For Nellie Logan, this epic ride isn’t the only way she supports the work of Compassion Australia. She single-handedly writes letters to more than 900 children living in poverty every year on behalf of other sponsors, giving them encouragement and reminding them they are loved.
“I want people to understand why we are doing this ride,” says Nellie. “We are doing it for the children living in poverty. If by the money we raise through this ride, we can change the lives of children for the better, it is all worth it.”
The 2022 event will see cyclists ride from the beautiful beaches of Western Australia, across the rugged Nullarbor, to the bustling east coast city of Newcastle.
“We wish to thank and celebrate all the riders that have invested considerable time, energy and training towards fundraising for vulnerable children living in poverty around the world,” says Compassion Australia CEO Clare Steele. “We are truly grateful.”
To learn more about how you can make an impact, visit here.
Article supplied with thanks to GOOD.
Feature image: Supplied