We're thrilled to spotlight Collaborative Construction Solutions, our Platinum Sponsor, in the 19th RMHC Northern NSW Ride for Sick Kids. Leading the charge is Todd Bacon, respected Managing Director and avid RMHC supporter, who joined the peloton, jumping on his bike to ride over 500km from Grafton to Newcastle.
The yellow jersey, known by avid cyclists as the maillot jaune and a key part of the Tour de France, is a symbol of excellence, prestige and victory. On the Ride for Sick Kids, it is held in the same esteem, being awarded each day to those participants who demonstrate their commitment to helping sick kids and their families. Whether it is through their cycling ability, mateship, or the significant difference they are making through their fundraising contributions, each person who wears the yellow jersey, like Todd, is having a direct impact on the families RMHC Northern NSW is serving.
Each year the Ride for Sick Kids unites passionate individuals and organisations to take on the physical challenge of cycling over 500km while raising vital funds to help sick kids and their families.
This year we saw a group of 20 cyclists come together to take on the challenge, joined by a dedicated support crew who helped ensure they journey was completed safely.
For many of the riders, meeting families who have been helped by RMHC Northern NSW is a huge highlight. It's an opportunity for them to hear directly from the families, like little Sophia's, about the difference their pedal power makes for families just like theirs.
"We are so grateful for the support that RMHC has and continues to give to our family. Sophia will still need to have more treatments over time, but she is doing really well. It was so lovely to meet the riders and be able to personally thank them for the difference they are making for families like ours" said Emma, mum to Sophia.
The Ronald McDonald Learning Program supports many school-aged children throughout our region to catch up on missed education due to illness. So, when we are on the road, we take the opportunity to visit schools that the students being supported attend, sharing information about RMHC and the importance of bike safety in their own communities. There is always a real sense of excitement and anticipation when the riders arrive to the cheers and delight of the children.
The children also get the opportunity to ask Ross Bingham, CEO of RMHC NNSW, and the riders questions and Ross responds to each question with care and compassion.
"Why do you do the Ride?" said one of the kids with Ross' response being "the Ride for Sick Kids is a big physical challenge. Riding 500km is very difficult, and we want to challenge ourselves, fundraise and make a difference for sick kids," said Ross.
Thanks to two of our sponsors, Aryzta and Giant, we are able to give away two bikes at each school we visited leaving two special children with a lasting gift.
Ride for Sick Kids would not be possible without the amazing support of all of our sponsors including our founding Mission Partner, McDonald's. Their support selling Charity Bikes and hosting the team on the Ride for Sick Kids each day has a huge impact and we want to express our heartfelt thanks to each of the licensees, managers and crew for their efforts selling Charity Bikes.
Thank you to all of our 2023 Ride for Sick Kids Sponsors and Partners
