Ride to Give smashes its goal
Fifty cyclists, 485 kilometres, $534,000 raised for charity. FDC’s 2023 Ride to Give charity bike ride has made as big an impact as ever.
July 12th, 2024
FDC’s Ride to Give 2024: Supporting Boys to the Bush
Since it started in 2014, FDC’s annual charity initiative, Ride to Give, has raised over $3.2 million for worthy causes and made a lifechanging impact on the lives of people in regional communities. This year, the ride, which spanned a remarkable 485km over three days, was no different. Blending community spirit with charitable action, it raised nearly $450,000 – with $30,000 donated to local communities along the riding route, and $415,555 for its primary charity partner, Boys to the Bush.
Dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable male youth with support, prevention and early intervention strategies, Boys to the Bush is a pivotal organisation that aims to guide boys aged 8 to 20 towards becoming better partners, employees and members of society, replacing troubled environments and distractions with positive influences and a sense of belonging. Awarded NSW Most Outstanding Community Organisation by Business NSW in 2022, the charity has been a beacon of hope since its inception in 2017. They have positively impacted over 7,000 lives through various programs, including one-on-one mentoring, camps, alternative care arrangements and community engagement days.
A journey with purpose
From 19 – 21 May, 65 cyclists embarked on a 3-day, 485km route, beginning in Young Tourist Park (where they were waved off by Mayor Margaret Roles and Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cook) travelling south towards Yass, via Harden and along the Burley Griffin Way to Binalong. Day two took in the sights of Boorowa, Crookwell and Goulburn before the final leg on day three heading south toward Canberra, through Gunning and Gundaroo before their triumphant stop at Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. As the team crossed the finish line, there was a palpable sense of achievement and community.
With strong legs and even stronger convictions to make a difference to the Boys to the Bush community, the cycling collective’s impressive final fundraising tally means that FDC’s aspiration of funding a new depot in Forbes, a new boat in Young and a minibus in Echuca has been achieved. Additionally, the extra funds raised will be invested in camp fees for children whose families can’t afford them, enabling over 40 kids to attend camp.
“At FDC, we are committed to giving back to the community and working hard to build a better future. Supporting Boys to the Bush aligns perfectly with our values, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive outcomes our efforts create,” said Russell Grady, FDC Managing Director. “This ride wouldn't be possible without the tireless dedication of our cyclists, volunteers, and the generous support from our community. We are honoured to play a part in helping regional boys in NSW become great men.”
Peter Butcher and Matt Horder from Boys to the Bush joined the ride along with fellow Boys to the Bush cyclists, Matt Seiter and Andy Kaye. Adam DeMamiel, CEO and co-founder, expressed his gratitude for the support, saying, “We’re thrilled that this significant funding from the generous team at FDC and their supporters will assist our Boys to the Bush team in improving outcomes for regional boys in need of support in their journey to adulthood.”
The success of this year’s Ride to Give is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause. Every push of the pedals moved the team closer to their destination while also paving the way for brighter futures for many young boys across regional NSW. FDC’s Ride to Give continues to be a powerful example of how collective efforts can drive meaningful impact and foster a sense of unity and purpose within the community.
Image credit: Declan Harding
