Donation allows more rides to roll

REGIONAL not-for-profit private health insurer GMHBA has made a $5000 donation to Cycling Without Age (CWA), an initiative that provides free trishaw rides to people in Bendigo who can no longer cycle for themselves.

The team from GMHBA Bendigo chose to support the initiative, where volunteers pilot electric-assisted trishaws, offering rides that let passengers experience their surroundings in a new way, as part of the organisation’s charitable gift program.

“We were drawn to Cycling Without Age because it brings people together in such a beautiful and meaningful way,” GMHBA Bendigo branch manager Sally Thomson said.

“Loneliness and isolation can have a huge impact on mental health, especially for older people or those with limited mobility.

“This initiative helps break that cycle by offering simple, joyful moments of connection, out in the fresh air, sharing stories, and being part of the community again.

“That’s exactly the kind of impact we want to support.”

CWA Bendigo chapter chair Pam Erny said the insurer’s donation will enable CWA to give more people the opportunity to experience “life-changing” rides.

“Our passionate volunteers provide passengers with not just a ride, but an opportunity to relive memories and create new ones,” she said.

“Support like this helps us reach more people, train more volunteers, and keep creating these powerful, shared experiences that boost wellbeing and build stronger, more connected communities.”

There are 46 Cycling Without Age chapters around Australia with over 600 volunteers giving their time.

More information is available on the Cycling Without Age website.