There’s a moment, somewhere along the 500 kilometres of Ride to Give, when the physical challenge fades into the background and something else takes over. It might be a conversation in a small town, a visit with a local organisation, or hearing firsthand from a young person whose life has been changed. In those moments the purpose becomes unmistakably clear. In 2026, it translated into a record-breaking $750,000 raised, the most significant result in the initiative’s history. An additional $27,500 was contributed to community organisations along the way, including Humula Citizens Sports Club, Country Hope, Tumbarumba Rodeo Association, Walwa Primary School, Holbrook Public School and Rapid Relief Team.

Across three days in regional New South Wales, 70 riders came together with partners, communities and grassroots organisations to push the total raised since inception beyond $5 million.

For FDC Managing Director Russell Grady, who completed the ride for the tenth consecutive year, the impact goes far beyond the fundraising total.

“Ride to Give has become one of the most meaningful parts of our year because it reflects who we are at our core,” he says. “People willing to challenge themselves, support each other and show up for regional communities. Every kilometre ridden in 2026 was about creating real opportunities for young people across regional NSW.”

Authentic Impact

This year’s funds will directly support two organisations working at the frontline of youth disadvantage: Boys to the Bush and BackTrack Youth Works, both delivering practical support where it’s needed most.

For Boys to the Bush, the funding will help expand its MENtoring program, supporting 65 boys over the next 12 months through one-on-one mentoring leading to pathways into apprenticeships, TAFE and employment.

CEO and Founder Adam De Mamiel says the impact is felt well beyond the program itself.

“When the riders come through these towns, the boys see people who genuinely believe in them,” he says. “That connection matters. It builds confidence, resilience and a sense that they have people behind them. With FDC’s support, we can spend more time mentoring, strengthen relationships with schools and employers, and create more opportunities for young people to grow.”

Safe Places, Real Futures

For BackTrack, the funding will strengthen its Safe Place to Stay program, helping provide more than 871 nights of safe accommodation alongside education support, life skills and access to trusted mentors in an environment that feels more like family than a system.

“FDC’s support helps us keep young people safe, connected and chasing their hopes and dreams,” says BackTrack CEO Marcus Watson.

“Ride to Give is directed to practical and responsive support on the ground for young people: a safe bed, a trusted youth worker walking alongside them, and genuine opportunities and pathways into training, work and purpose.

“This kind of backing can change the direction of a young person’s life.”

BackTrack can now expand its capacity and deliver more nights of safe accommodation for young people in Armidale.

Crisis to Contribution

Together, these programs are helping young people move from instability into education, employment and leadership within their own communities.

For Michael, who has been involved with the Boys to the Bush MENtoring program for the past two years, the experience has been life changing.

“Being part of the program and Ride to Give showed me how much support is out there,” he says. “It’s helped me build confidence, learn new skills and feel part of something positive.”

That same sense of belief is shared by Steph, a former BackTrack participant who now works as a Program Coordinator.

“I know what it’s like to be one of the kids we’re helping. When I first came to BackTrack, I was lost and struggling. The mentors showed me what it means to have someone believe in you, and that changed everything,” says Steph. “It’s about keeping that cycle of support alive: those who were helped becoming the ones who help others.”

The Power of Connection

What sets Ride to Give apart isn’t just the fundraising, it’s genuine human connection. Riders don’t just support these organisations, they meet them. They hear the stories, see the impact and understand, in real terms, what their effort enables.

As Grady reflects: “Strong communities are built through connection, consistency and people showing up for one another year after year.”

This year’s result is also a reflection of the collective effort behind the scenes. Ride to Give wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of its partners and sponsors, including MA Financial, UBS, Wagga RSL Club, Liberty Specialty Markets, Conzpec, Willis Australia Limited, Stowe Australia, X Clusive, RSM, Reds Global, BMG, Mr Water Plumbing, Force Fire, Sandran, Steve Watson and Partners, Northrop, Minerva, Thinking Works, Miller & James Real Estate, G Brothers, MSM Milling and BAU Group.

As the kilometres tick over each year, so too does the impact, reaching further into the people and communities that need it most. And while the numbers continue to climb, the essence of Ride to Give remains unchanged. It’s about people showing up for people, effort turned into opportunity and a belief that together, real change is possible.